Biology
They have regenerative powers. The mouth on the sea star is on the bottom but their prey is absorbed outside their mouths by forcing out digestive organs out their stomach. |
Distribution Map
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Importance They play an important role in keeping the numbers of other organisms down. Sea stars are often referred to as a keystone species, as their feeding has an effect on the whole ecosystem.
Economically starfish are used as a source of lime by farmers in areas where limestone is unavailable. 4,000 tons of the animals are used annually for this purpose. |
Facts
Sea stars have no brains and no blood. Their nervous system is spread through their arms and their “blood” is actually filtered sea water. Although they are named starfish, they are not related to fish at all. Sea stars aren’t social creatures, but they will congregate in large groups during certain times of the year to feed. Sea stars life span is 35 years of age. Light-sensitive eye spots on the tips of the arms help the sea star find food. |
Vocabulary
Invertebrate- without a spine. nervous system- network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body. Habitat-natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. Camouflage-hide or disguise the presence of a person, animal, or object. Enzymes-a substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction. |
Resources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choriaster_granulatus http://www.whatsthatfish.com/fish/granulated-sea-star/325 http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/starfish/ http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/sea-star/#sea-star-red.jpg |