Final answer:
The adaptation of brittle stars having easily detachable arms helps them escape from predators and can also lead to asexual reproduction through the process of fragmentation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Brittle stars, belonging to the class Ophiuroidea, display a fascinating adaptation in which they have arms that detach easily from their main body disc. This characteristic can be vital for survival. If a predator grasps onto a brittle star's arm, the arm can be released to enable the remainder of the brittle star to escape, potentially saving its life. Once the brittle star has evaded the threat, it has the ability to regenerate the lost limb, a process akin to fragmentation, which is also a means of asexual reproduction in some echinoderms. This feature not only presents an escape mechanism but can also confuse predators, which may be left with just a lost arm while the brittle star flees. Moreover, in the event where parts are separated intentionally or accidentally, those parts can sometimes grow into new individuals, increasing the population of brittle stars, which can be beneficial in environments where such reproduction advantages survival.