Meritähtet

Meritähtet, also known as sea stars or starfish, are marine invertebrates belonging to the class Asteroidea. They are characterized by their star-shaped body, which is divided into five or more arms radiating from a central disc. Meritähtet are found in various marine environments, including rocky shores, coral reefs, and the deep sea. They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by controlling populations of algae and other organisms, and by serving as a food source for many predators.

The anatomy of meritähtet includes a water vascular system, which is a network of canals and tubes used for locomotion, feeding, and respiration. Their mouth is located on the underside of the central disc, and they use tube feet to move and capture prey. Meritähtet reproduce sexually, with males releasing sperm into the water, which is then fertilized by the eggs released by females. The larvae, known as bipinnaria, undergo a planktonic phase before settling and metamorphosing into adult meritähtet.

Meritähtet are known for their regenerative abilities. If an arm is lost, the starfish can regenerate a new one from the remaining tissue. This remarkable capacity for regeneration has made them a subject of interest in medical research, particularly in the field of tissue engineering. However, meritähtet are also vulnerable to various threats, including habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these important marine organisms.