Hemiaster whitei from Texas

Another irregular echinoid and cousin to Hemiaster bexari is Hemiaster whitei. This specimen came from the Goodland formation in Tarrant County, Texas. The Goodland formation is about 105 million years old and was lain down during the Albian stage of the lower Cretaceous.







Another, smaller specimen






These fossils have the test (skeleton) of the echinoid preserved very well. Each little bump on the exterior of the fossil had a small spine attached that was used to both protect the animal and help it move through/over the sand.