Final answer:
Sea urchin studies in developmental biology provide insight into cell division from a zygote to a mature organism, and their role in ecosystem dynamics and the impact of invasive species.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sea urchins are significant for studies in developmental biology, due to their simple method of reproduction and the transparency of their eggs and embryos. The developmental process of sea urchins begins with a single cell division, which results into two genetically identical daughter cells. After several rounds of division, a multicellular organism forms, ultimately developing into a mature sea urchin.
This developmental journey from a single zygote to a complex organism is captured through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), displaying the cellular detail at various stages. Research on these echinoderms aids in understanding the molecular basis of early development. Not only do sea urchins help explore physiological processes during early development, but they also serve as a model for examining competition and predation in their ecosystem, specifically in the context of invasive species influencing their food sources and environment, impacting their growth and reproduction.