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Sea Cucumber: Scientific Overview – By Bhanuka – eLanka Sea cucumbers are fascinating marine animals. They belong to the class Holothuroidea, within the phylum Echinodermata. Found on the ocean floor, these soft-bodied creatures are important for marine ecosystems. They help recycle nutrients and maintain the health of sediments. Moreover, their unique anatomy and ecological role make them interesting subjects for scientific study. Anatomy and Features To begin with, sea cucumbers have an elongated, cylindrical body covered by leathery skin. Unlike other animals, they do not have a hard skeleton. Instead, their body contains tiny structures called ossicles, which provide flexibility and some protection. Furthermore, their body has five rows of tube feet, which are a common feature of echinoderms. Sea cucumbers breathe in a unique way. They use a structure called the respiratory tree, which is located near the cloaca. By pumping water through their anus, they extract oxygen to ...