How do starfish react to tides?

Starfish, or sea stars, have developed fascinating adaptations to deal with the changing tides:

During High Tide:

* Feeding and Movement: Starfish are most active during high tide. They use their tube feet to move along the seafloor, feeding on mussels, barnacles, and other invertebrates.

* Reproduction: Some species release their sperm and eggs into the water during high tide for fertilization.

During Low Tide:

* Staying Hydrated: Starfish can't survive out of water for long periods. They use their skin to absorb moisture from the air, and some species can even burrow into the sand or under rocks to stay moist.

* Reduced Activity: They become less active and may even appear "dead" to conserve energy.

* Heat Tolerance: Some species, like the Pacific Coast starfish, have evolved to withstand higher temperatures and sunlight exposure during low tide.

Tide Pool Adaptation:

* Tide Pool Inhabitants: Some starfish species, like the ochre starfish, are well adapted to living in tide pools. They can survive the fluctuations in water level and temperature within these pools.

Overall, starfish have developed various strategies to thrive in the constantly changing tidal environment:

* Strong adhesion to rocks: Their tube feet help them grip firmly to surfaces, preventing them from being washed away by the tide.

* Efficient water retention: Their bodies are designed to retain water, even during low tide.

* Reduced activity and energy consumption: During low tide, they become inactive to conserve energy and prevent dehydration.

* Flexibility in feeding: They can eat a variety of prey, giving them options even during times of low tide when prey availability may be limited.

These adaptations allow starfish to not only survive, but thrive in their intertidal habitat, a challenging environment with constant change.