Question

Sea stars can regenerate a new individual from a fragmented arm only if:

A. Season is correct and it’s not too cold.
B. Sea star had eaten recently and has enough nutrients in its arms.
C. Sea star fragment has a portion of the central disk.

Answer 1

Sea stars can regenerate a new individual from a fragmented arm if the piece includes a portion of the central disk, which is essential for the regeneration process.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sea stars are remarkable echinoderms capable of asexual reproduction through a process known as fragmentation. These creatures can reproduce by regenerating a new individual from a fragment of their body, a phenomenon highlighted in Figure 34.4 and Figure 43.4. However, for regeneration to be successful, the sea star fragment must include a part of the central disk.

Contrary to just needing an arm, sufficient nutrition, or appropriate seasonal temperatures, it's the presence of the central disk in the fragment that is crucial for the regeneration of a new sea star. This important detail underscores the incredible regenerative abilities of sea stars and highlights a common misconception regarding their reproductive process.