11-15-15

Alexandra Ewing

Forbes Common Sea Star

                 Asterias forbesi

Forbes Common Sea Star, scientifically known as Asterias forbesi, lives in the shores of North America and lives on oysters, rocks, or boulders.  They belong to the domain of Eukarya and the kingdom of Animalia. The Forbes Common Sea Star is scientifically grouped into the phylum of Chordata and the class of Asteroidea.  Asterias forbesi is classified into the order of Forcipulatida and the family of Asteriidae. The genus of this organism is Asterias and the species is forbesi. The Forbes Common Sea Star has radial symmetry and is a heterotroph.  An interesting fact about the Forbes Common Sea Star is that it has more than a hundred tube feet! A behavioral adaptation for this organism is that it can throw up its stomach.  A structural adaptation for the Forbes Common Sea Star is the color which helps blend in with its surroundings. Another structural adaptation for this organism is the tiny tubbed feet that they have, allowing them to move around and stick to surfaces. The Forbes Common Sea Star frequently preys upon invertebrates, worms, and crustaceans. This organism is preyed upon by sharks, rays, and other starfish. The Forbes Common Sea Star is ectothermic. This organism is tan and has camouflage which helps blend in with its environment. The Forbes Common Sea Star has five appendages and has tiny tubbed feet that help them to move.