Most echinoderms have separate sexes, but some are hermaphrodites. In sea stars, the sperm are produced in the testes, while the eggs are produced in the ovaries. When they detect gametes of their own species in the water, the sperm and eggs are released from the arms. Fertilization takes place externally, forming larvae, which are bilaterally symmetrical. Eventually, the larvae swim to the bottom of the ocean, mature and metamorphose into the different echinoderms we see today, which are radially symmetrical.
Also, echinoderms have the incredible ability to regenerate: if one part of their body is damaged, every piece of the torn starfish can develop into a whole new organism.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment