Question

In kelp forests along the North American coastline, sea stars (pictured above) get their nutrients by feeding on dead or decaying debris, or
A.) detritus
B.) autotrophs
C.) omnivores

Answer 1

Answer: The correct option is A (detritus).

Explanation:

The sea star also called the star fish belongs to the phylum echinodermata. They are slow moving marine animals living on the sea-shores and sea beds. They possess tube feet under their arms which enables them to move to location where they can obtain food.

During feeding, the star fish is capable of pouring digestive enzymes on the soft tissue of its prey. Once liquefied, it absorbs it into its stomach. The following are the different types of food that a star fish can feed on:

--> coral,

--> sponges,

--> clams,

--> oysters,

--> sand dollars, and mussels

They also feed on dead or decaying debris of different plants and animals. These dead or decaying debris are also called DETRITUS. A detritus is made up of leaves and other plant parts, animal remains and waste organic products that fall into water bodies from the kelp forests along the North American coastline.