How do starfish reproduce?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the reproductive process of starfish. It seeks information on how these marine creatures reproduce, including methods like sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction through regeneration.
Answer
Starfish reproduce sexually by spawning and asexually by fission or arm autotomy.
Starfish reproduce both sexually by releasing eggs and sperm into the water (spawning), and asexually by fission or autotomy of their arms.
Answer for screen readers
Starfish reproduce both sexually by releasing eggs and sperm into the water (spawning), and asexually by fission or autotomy of their arms.
More Information
Starfish are unique in having multiple reproductive strategies which increase their chances of survival in varied environments.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume that starfish only reproduce asexually due to their regenerative abilities, but they also engage in sexual reproduction.
Sources
- Starfish reproduction methods & facts - study.com
- Sea stars - Echinoderms - mesa.edu.au
- Asexual reproduction in starfish - en.wikipedia.org
