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The many types of these animals are as varied as the different places where they are found. There are over 2,000 distinct species of starfish, and more are frequently discovered during oceanic research. Most echinoderms have the same five-pointed structure as common sea stars, but plenty of these animals – including some of the different types of starfish – are capable of having far more complicated structures. Other echinoderms include sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and sand dollars. The zoological name Asteroidea translates to “star-shaped – “aster” means “star,” and “eidos” refers to “shape.”Īsteroidea is one of the largest classes in the Echinodermata family. All of these animals fall into the class Asteroidea in the scientific community, they are frequently known as asteroids. The aquatic animal that is commonly known as a starfish is also frequently called a sea star. Starfish Classification and Scientific Name
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Instead, they pump seawater through their vascular structure in order to carry nutrients and oxygen.
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Starfish observe the world through small eyes located at the ends of their “arms.”
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These slow-moving but sensitive fish come in a wide array of colors although you should never pick one up, trying to find starfish along the beach is a wonderful seaside activity.
SEA STAR ORDER FAMILY GENUS SKIN
You can identify a starfish by its bumpy skin and flat center surrounded by long limbs that give the appearance of a star. Starfish, also known as sea stars, are some of the most important members of the underwater kingdom.Īlthough they aren’t technically fish, sea stars are animals that are still present in nearly every coastal habitat and can be found as low as the abyssal layer.
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