Evolution of endocrine system in sea cucumber?

The evolution of the endocrine system in sea cucumbers is characterized by adaptations that facilitate their unique ecological roles and physiological needs. Unlike more complex organisms, sea cucumbers exhibit a simpler endocrine system that primarily regulates basic functions like reproduction and regeneration. Hormones in these echinoderms play crucial roles in processes such as spawning and response to environmental stressors. This evolutionary pathway reflects their adaptation to a benthic lifestyle and the necessity for efficient metabolic regulation in a variable marine environment.