• Question: How do animals without a brain (eg. Starfish) function?

    Asked by malachichocolate123 to Joanna on 16 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Joanna Brooks

      Joanna Brooks answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      Good question! Let’s use starfish as an example. They possess a ‘water system’ that helps them move and feed. Water is sucked into tubes (the openings to these tubes are on their legs) and then released – this suction method helps them push against the ground to move about. Some starfish use this water system to open the shells of shell fish like mussels – the stomach of the starfish can then leave it’s body to capture the prey!

      They have a network of nerves – sensitive to light, temperature, and the water around them (the levels of pollution for example).

      Did you know what some starfish are thought to contain special toxins that can be used in vaccinations and medicine?

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