How do starfish prie open clams?

Starfish don't "pry" open clams. Instead, they use a clever combination of hydraulic pressure and suction to open their prey. Here's how it works:

1. Grip: The starfish uses its tube feet, which are tiny, suction-cup-like structures on its underside, to grip the clam tightly.

2. Pulling: The starfish then uses its strong muscles to pull on the clam's shell, applying pressure to the edges.

3. Pressure: The pressure exerted by the starfish causes the clam to fatigue and eventually relax its muscles holding the shell closed.

4. Insertion: The starfish's stomach, which can be everted (turned inside out), is then pushed through the small opening created by the weakened clam shell.

5. Digestion: The starfish's stomach then secretes digestive enzymes that break down the clam's soft tissues within its own shell.

It's important to note that this process can take several hours or even days, depending on the size of the clam.

Here's a quick summary:

* Not prying, but pulling: Starfish use their muscles and tube feet to pull, not pry.

* Pressure, not force: They apply pressure to tire out the clam's muscles.

* Everting stomach: The starfish uses its unique ability to evert its stomach to digest the clam inside its own shell.