• Natalie Richards
• field guide
• November 4, 2015
• Common Sea Star
• The common sea star, Asterias rubens, which is the scientific name, have 5 tube feet and spiny skin. Starfish species inhabit all of the world's oceans. Habitats range from tropical coral reefs, rocky shores, tidal pools, mud, and sand to kelp forests, seagrass meadows and the deep-sea floor down to at least 6,000 m (20,000 ft). The order of classification for this organism is the domain is eukaryote, and the kingdom is animalia. Next, the phylum is Echinodermata, and the class is Stelleroidea. Next, the order is Forcipulatida, and the family is Asteriidae. Lastly, the genus is Asterias, and the species is rubens. That makes up the scientific name. They have bony, calcified skin, which protects them from most predators, and many wear striking colors that camouflage them or scare off potential attackers. The sea star is endothermic, a heterotroph, and has radial symmetry. It likes to eat clams, mussels, and snails. Three adaptations that the sea star has is the ability to open almost any shell with it’s tubed feet. Thats a behavioral adaptation. A functional adaptation is that the sea star can throw up it’s stomach to capture prey, and then they eat their stomach again! Lastly, a structural adaptation is that a sea star has spiny skin to protect it’s body from sharp objects. Thats all about sea stars!
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