A sea star (starfish) is attacked and one of its rays is cut off. What will happen?

Question

A.) A mitotic, asexual form of reproduction called fragmentation will take place.

B.) A new ray will grow back in its place.

C.) The severed ray will grow and develop into a new individual genetically identical to the original sea star.

D.) All of the above are correct.

Answer 1

Hi Brianna, 

 

Starfish retains the regenerative ability for its ray to grow back and therefore, a new ray would develop by regeneration replacing the ray that has been cut off. It will include cell proliferation but has nothing to do with sexual or asexual reproduction and development of a new individual.

 

Hope this helps. 

 

Best,

 

In other words, B is the correct choice.