Podcast
Questions and Answers
In what phylum are starfish found?
In what phylum are starfish found?
Echinoderm
What is the habitat for starfish?
What is the habitat for starfish?
Marine - Tidal Zone, Ocean Floor, and Coral Reefs
On what do starfish feed?
On what do starfish feed?
Bivalves - Mussels, Clams, Scallops, and Oysters
What system in their body helps them catch & hold their food?
What system in their body helps them catch & hold their food?
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What does echinoderm mean in Greek?
What does echinoderm mean in Greek?
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Name 2 classes of echinoderms & a member of each class.
Name 2 classes of echinoderms & a member of each class.
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What type of symmetry did your starfish have?
What type of symmetry did your starfish have?
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What is the upper surface of the starfish called?
What is the upper surface of the starfish called?
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What is the lower surface of the starfish called?
What is the lower surface of the starfish called?
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On which surface are these parts of a starfish visible? Mouth - ____, Madreporite - ____, Suckers - ____, Oral Spines - ____, Eyespots - ____, Ambulacral Groove - ____
On which surface are these parts of a starfish visible? Mouth - ____, Madreporite - ____, Suckers - ____, Oral Spines - ____, Eyespots - ____, Ambulacral Groove - ____
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In your own words, trace the path water takes through the water vascular system.
In your own words, trace the path water takes through the water vascular system.
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What part of the tube foot creates suction to pen clams whenever the starfish feeds?
What part of the tube foot creates suction to pen clams whenever the starfish feeds?
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Why do the gonads sometimes appear larger?
Why do the gonads sometimes appear larger?
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What type of skeleton, endoskeleton or exoskeleton, does the seastar have?
What type of skeleton, endoskeleton or exoskeleton, does the seastar have?
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What bony plates make up its skeleton?
What bony plates make up its skeleton?
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What is the function of the pyloric caeca?
What is the function of the pyloric caeca?
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Where is the stomach of a starfish located? What can the starfish do with its stomach when feeding on clams and oysters?
Where is the stomach of a starfish located? What can the starfish do with its stomach when feeding on clams and oysters?
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Name the kingdom, phylum, and class for the starfish you dissected.
Name the kingdom, phylum, and class for the starfish you dissected.
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Study Notes
Starfish Overview
- Starfish belong to the phylum Echinoderm, characterized by their spiny skin.
- Echinoderm in Greek means "spiny skin," a reference to the ossicles that give them a spiny texture.
Habitat and Symmetry
- Starfish inhabit marine environments, including tidal zones, ocean floors, and coral reefs.
- They exhibit radial symmetry, which allows them to respond to environmental stimuli from all directions.
Diet and Feeding Mechanism
- Starfish primarily feed on bivalves such as mussels, clams, scallops, and oysters.
- Their water vascular system enables them to catch and hold their food, facilitating movement and feeding.
- The ampulla in the tube foot generates suction, essential for opening clams during feeding.
Anatomy and Organ Systems
- The upper surface of a starfish is referred to as aboral (dorsal), while the lower surface is called oral (ventral).
- Distinct anatomical features include:
- Mouth: Located on the oral surface
- Madreporite: Found on the aboral surface
- Suckers and Oral Spines: Located on the oral surface
- Eyespots: Present on the aboral surface
- Ambulacral Groove: Found on the oral surface
Reproductive and Digestive Systems
- Gonads enlarge when the starfish is mature and ready to reproduce.
- The pyloric caeca play a crucial role in digestion.
- A starfish's stomach is located in the central disc, capable of protruding to digest prey like clams and oysters externally.
Skeletal Structure
- Starfish possess an endoskeleton, made up of small bony plates called ossicles.
- This structure provides support and protection to their bodies.
Classification
- Starfish are classified under the following:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Echinodermata
- Class: Asteroidea (includes true sea stars and sun stars).
Water Vascular System Pathway
- The water vascular system functions by routing water from the madreporite to the stone canal, then to the ring canal, down each arm, and into the tube feet.
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Description
This quiz focuses on starfish, exploring their classification, habitat, diet, and unique biological systems. Each flashcard presents a question about different aspects of starfish, helping you to learn essential information in an engaging way.
