DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, South Carolina — Two sand dollars lie washed up on the beach of Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. These delicate, disc-shaped skeletons of sea urchins are common finds along the shores of the Atlantic coast. Daufuskie Island, part of South Carolina's Lowcountry region, is known for its pristine beaches and rich coastal ecosystem.
Photograph by David Coleman. Daufuskie Island is a sea island located in Beaufort County, South Carolina, between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia. Accessible only by ferry, this 8-square-mile island is steeped in rich Gullah culture and natural beauty. The island's beaches, facing the Atlantic Ocean and Calibogue Sound, are known for their unspoiled landscapes and abundant marine life. Sand dollars, scientifically known as Mellita quinquiesperforata, are regularly found along these shores. These flat, round echinoderms are actually the skeletons of marine animals related to sea urchins. When alive, they are covered with tiny, movable spines, but the familiar white "shell" is what remains after the animal dies and the spines fall off. The presence of sand dollars on Daufuskie's beaches indicates a healthy marine ecosystem. The island's relative isolation has helped preserve its natural habitats, making it an important area for coastal ecology and conservation. Daufuskie Island's beaches not only offer opportunities for shell collecting and nature observation but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing habitats for various species of birds, crabs, and other marine life.
Size: 3724px × 2493px
Location: Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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