(1) the sea star, a brightly colored marine animal also known as the starfish, may look harmless from the outside. (2) however, beneath the colorful exterior lies a predator that eats in a unique way. (3) first, the sea star locates its prey by sensing it with one of the tiny red eyes at the ends of its limbs. (4) these eyes are simple and can only sense light and dark, but they do help sea stars find food and avoid predators. (5) second, the sea star attaches itself to a clam or other mollusk. (6) then, it uses the hundreds of tiny suction cups on the undersides of its appendages to pry the tightly closed shell open. (7) next, the sea star slides one of its two stomachs out through its mouth and deep into the interior of the shell. (8) this strategy allows the sea star to feast on prey that is far too large to fit in its tiny mouth. (9) the stomach then secretes, or oozes, an acid into the body of the prey. (10) this protein liquefies the prey, allowing the sea star to absorb it into its stomach. (11) once the sea star has eaten, it withdraws its stomach. (12) finally, the sea star moves away, leaving an empty shell behind. Get the answer
Category: science | Author: Mona Eva