Sea Urchin.
Not fossils, but derived flint casts. From
ploughland north and west of
Rowlands Castle. Known in the
countryside as "shepherd's crowns". Lived in the shallow seas 1.4 million
years ago. Protected by long spines
(Old French herichon "hedgehog", thus sea urchin).
Jaws at base, bowel exit and genitals on top.
Invertebrate, with no brain.
(From the sea urchin collection of the late Mary Cowin).
One of nature's survivors; there are still sea urchins in the warm
shallow seas today.