Toxicological trivia from July 08, 2016: Starfish or sea stars are star-shaped echinoderms belonging to the class Asteroidea. About 1,500 species of starfish occur on the seabed in all the world’s oceans, from the tropics to frigid polar waters. They are found from the intertidal zone down to abyssal depths, 6,000 meters below the surface. Starfish are marine invertebrates. They typically have a central disc and five arms, though some species have a larger number of arms. The aboral or upper surface may be smooth, granular or spiny, and is covered with overlapping plates. Starfish and other echinoderms pump water directly into their bodies through the water vascular system. Thus:a) They are vulnerable to all forms of water pollution, as they have little ability to filter toxins and contaminants contained therein;b) Oil spills and similar events often affect populations echinoderms and have far-reaching consequences for the ecosystem;c) Both previous assertions are correct.

Correct answer: c. Read more in WP.