How is a starfish born?

A starfish, also known as a sea star, reproduces both asexually and sexually. Here are the two methods of reproduction in sea stars:

1. Asexual reproduction:

* Fission: Some species of sea stars can reproduce asexually by splitting their body in two. Each half then regenerates the missing parts, resulting in two new individuals.

* Fragmentation: In this process, a starfish loses an arm or part of its body. Each detached part can regenerate into a new individual, as long as it contains a portion of the central disc.

2. Sexual reproduction:

* Spawning: During sexual reproduction, male and female sea stars release their gametes (sperm and eggs) into the water column. The eggs are fertilized externally, and the resulting zygotes develop into planktonic larvae.

* Larval development: The larvae feed and grow in the water column, undergoing several stages of development. The larvae eventually settle on the seafloor and metamorphose into juvenile sea stars.

Overall, sea stars can reproduce both asexually and sexually, depending on the species and environmental conditions.