The Sharp, 2 Centimetre-Long Thorns of the Crown-Of-Thorns Sea Star

question 44

Multiple Choice

The sharp, 2 centimetre-long thorns of the crown-of-thorns sea star are its spines. These spines, unlike those of most other sea stars, contain a potent toxin. If it were discovered that crown-of-thorns sea stars do not make this toxin themselves, then the most likely alternative would be that this toxin is ________.

• A) derived from the nematocysts of its prey
• B) absorbed from the surrounding seawater
• C) an endotoxin of cellulose-digesting bacteria that inhabit the sea star's digestive glands
• D) injected into individual thorns by mutualistic corals which live on the aboral surfaces of these sea stars

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