description Micraster leskei Overview
Micraster leskei is an extinct species of irregular sea urchin, classified within the heart urchin group, that existed during the Late Cretaceous epoch. The species is named in honor of the German naturalist Nathanael Gottfried Leske. Fossils of this echinoid are frequently found in marine chalk deposits across Europe, preserving the distinct heart-shaped test that characterized the genus.
help Micraster leskei FAQ
What kind of animal was Micraster leskei?
Micraster leskei was an extinct irregular sea urchin in the heart urchin group. It lived during the Late Cretaceous and is commonly represented by fossils from chalk deposits. [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Micraster_leskei_FOS_2643_-_4.JPG)
Why is Micraster leskei named leskei?
The species name honors Nathanael Gottfried Leske, a German naturalist whose name is also associated with other fossil echinoids. Micraster leskei was formally described in the 19th century. [Micraster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micraster)
Why does Micraster leskei have a heart-shaped body?
Its heart-shaped form is typical of irregular heart urchins adapted to living on or within soft seafloor sediments. Unlike a regular sea urchin, Micraster had a strongly modified body plan for burrowing and deposit feeding. [Micraster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micraster)
Where are Micraster leskei fossils usually found?
They are associated with Late Cretaceous chalk, including Turonian-age deposits in western Europe. Fossil specimens are particularly familiar from chalk exposures in Britain and France. [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Micraster_leskei_FOS_2643_-_4.JPG)
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