ExploreWonders

Sand Dollar

A sand dollar is a flat, round shell that lives in the sand on the ocean floor. They are very special and look like a coin!

Appearance

The Sand Dollar is a flattened, disk-shaped sea urchin with a rigid, circular or oval shell called a test. Its surface often appears white or pale gray when found on beaches, but living ones are typically covered in tiny, velvety spines ranging from greenish to purplish-brown.

KingdomAnimalia

Sand Dollar

Interesting facts

Living sand dollars are covered in tiny, moving spines, making them feel like velvet!

Sand dollars can stand on edge in the sand to catch tiny food bits!

The five "petal" pattern on their top is actually part of their unique breathing system!

Tiny baby sand dollars swallow sand to weigh themselves down and not float away!

Traits

Spotted

Discover animals and plants adorned with beautiful dots and splotches, making them unique and easy to spot!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Fossil

Discover amazing clues about ancient life preserved in rocks! Fossils are like nature's time capsules, showing us creatures and plants from millions of years ago.

Natural

These are wonderful things that come straight from the Earth, shaped by wind, water, and sun! Everything from towering trees to tiny pebbles is part of our natural world.