The starfish is part of the echinodermata phylum and the asterozoa subphylum. The starfish breathes through it's tube feet in a process known as the water vascular system. The water vascular system uses cilia to keep water flowing in the body. Oxygen enters the starfish during diffusion. The oxygen enters in the tube feet while the water vascular system occurs. Another way in which starfish receive oxygen is through the papulae (gills).
|