Crown-of-thorns starfish
This large starfish gets its name from the venomous, long spines that cover its body. They live among and feed on coral polyps. When the species becomes overpopulated, it can destroy vast coral reef ecosystems. In fact, widespread destruction of the Great Barrier Reef is partly blamed on these sea stars, which have experienced a population explosion over the last decade or so. The outbreaks are likely due to pollution from agricultural runoff, creating algae blooms that allow the crown-of-thorns' natural predators to get a less-thorny and easier meal elsewhere. During outbreaks, the starfish feed on adult corals and prevent the maturation of young corals.
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If the outbreaks are due to agricultural runoff, it is not the starfish that are at fault, but poor agricultural practices.
It is likely that if such runoff did not exist, the numbers of starfish would be kept in check and there would be a balance between coral reef formation and break down.
Let's not forget that the increasing levels of CO2 are a major contributor to coral reef dissolution.
The title of this whole article is misleading.
We, used and abused our enviornment so badly that Animals are forced to adapt to changes we have caused. Its simply for their survival (basic survival) and now here is an article calling them dangerous or deadly. Im once again ashamed to be labeled "human" when so many of us are still so ignorant. Ive never seen an elephant or a starfish throw garbage on the street, or consume more of anything than they really need. Its all about the mighty dollar ...look at the oil spill...greed its just plain.... More
If the outbreaks are due to agricultural runoff, it is not the starfish that are at fault, but poor agricultural practices.
It is likely that if such runoff did not exist, the numbers of starfish would be kept in check and there would be a balance between coral reef formation and break down.
Let's not forget that the increasing levels of CO2 are a major contributor to coral reef dissolution.
The title of this whole article is misleading.
If the outbreaks are due to agricultural runoff, it is not the starfish that are at fault, but poor agricultural practices.
It is likely that if such runoff did not exist, the numbers of starfish would be kept in check and there would be a balance between coral reef formation and break down.
Let's not forget that the increasing levels of CO2 are a major contributor to coral reef dissolution.
The title of this whole article is misleading.
hey duuuuuuuuuuuuude, i think uve been watching too much spongebob
you spelled 'you're' wrong... your means it belongs to you. you're is a contraction of you and are.
umm dude u can call them either one it doesnt matter
They are called ummm sea stars not starfish
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