Starfish Reproduction

Question

Starfish, sometimes referred to as sea stars, have some of the most fascinating reproductive practices in the marine ecosystem, which highlights the adaptability of starfish to various ocean environments. Starfish have reproductive processes that fall into two categories: sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction, both of which demonstrate how the creature adapts in order to survive and thrive.

For sexual reproduction, starfish fuse male and female gametes, or cells dedicated to the reproductive process. Most species of sea stars have male and female sexes, though some exhibit hermaphroditism, which means that they have both male and female reproductive organs. Only species with male and female sexes participate in sexual reproduction, which involves both male and female starfish to release gametes into the water. They rely on external fertilization, meaning that the eggs fertilize in the water.

Once the eggs are fertilized, they develop into free-swimming larvae. The larvae then drift through the water in what is known as the planktonic phase, which can last several weeks or even months. At the end of this phase, the larvae settle onto the sea floor and undergo a transformation, morphing into juvenile starfish that look like miniature versions of adult starfish without fully developed arms.

Some starfish have the ability to reproduce asexually, a complex process that allows some species to regenerate offspring from a single organism. The most common form of asexual reproduction in starfish is arm regeneration, where a starfish loses an arm. The starfish will grow a new arm but, in some cases, the detached arm will grow into a new starfish so long as it contains a portion of the central disc. This is incredibly beneficial for survival, as starfish can recover from trauma while also contributing to new generations of starfish.

Another type of asexual reproduction involves fragmentation, which happens when a starfish reproduces by splitting itself into multiple pieces, or fragments. Each fragment that contains part of the central disc can then potentially regenerate into a completely new starfish. Such a method allows for starfish to regenerate rapidly in favorable conditions, though it is less common than arm regeneration.

Both methods of reproduction are vital to the continued success of starfish species. While sexual reproduction contributes to biodiversity among starfish, asexual reproduction ensures that starfish can continue to reproduce even in the most challenging conditions. Marine biologists point to these processes as evidence of resiliency and evolutionary success in starfish.

Question
Another type of asexual reproduction involves fragmentation, which happens when a starfish reproduces by splitting itself into multiple pieces, or fragments.

What is the most likely meaning of the word fragmentation as it is used in this sentence from the passage?

Responses
A separated from the central discseparated from the central disc
B breaking apart to reproducebreaking apart to reproduce
C regenerating an arm that has broken offregenerating an arm that has broken off
D reproduction with female and male gametesreproduction with female and male gametes

Answer 1

The most likely meaning of the word "fragmentation" as it is used in the sentence is:

B breaking apart to reproducebreaking apart to reproduce