Sea Stars: New Genetic Research Reveals They Are Largely Heads and Lack Torsos or Tails, Scientists Say

Scientists have long been puzzled by sea stars and their unique anatomy, but new genetic research is shedding light on their mysterious structure. In a study published in the journal Nature, researchers discovered that sea stars are largely heads that lack torsos or tails, contrary to previous assumptions. The researchers used advanced genetic sequencing techniques to analyze the genes expressed in sea stars’ tissue, revealing that genes associated with the development of a head were present throughout the organism, while genes for torso and tail sections were largely absent. This discovery challenges the traditional understanding of animal body plans and provides insight into the evolution of sea stars and their shared ancestry with other animals. Sea stars, along with other echinoderms like sea urchins and sea cucumbers, have unique body plans that differ from the bilateral symmetry found in most animals. The findings of this study could help resolve long-standing zoological mysteries and contribute to a broader understanding of biology and evolution. The research was funded by the Chan Zuckerberg BioHub, NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Leverhulme Trust.