How Do You Spell ASTERIAS LUTEA?

Pronunciation: [astˈi͡əɹɪəz lˈuːti͡ə] (IPA)

The spelling of the oceanic starfish, Asterias lutea, can be a bit tricky. It is pronounced /əˈstɪəriəs/ /ˈluːtiə/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first part of the word, Asterias, is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by a long "i" sound and emphasis on the third syllable. The second part, lutea, is pronounced with a long "u" sound followed by a long "e" sound and emphasis on the second syllable. Despite its spelling, this starfish makes a fascinating addition to the marine world.

ASTERIAS LUTEA Meaning and Definition

1. Asterias lutea is a species of starfish commonly known as the yellow star. It belongs to the class Asteroidea in the phylum Echinodermata. This marine invertebrate inhabits the coastal waters of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, particularly in Europe and along the shores of the Black Sea.

   The Asterias lutea is characterized by its vibrant yellow or orange coloration, with five arms radiating symmetrically from a central disk. It possesses a rough and spiny outer surface which aids in camouflage and defense against predators. Its arms are particularly flexible and can regenerate if damaged or severed, facilitating survival and adaptation to its marine environment.

   Feeding primarily on bivalves such as clams and mussels, the yellow star utilizes its tube feet and ambulacral grooves to pry open shells and extract the soft tissues within. It also consumes other small invertebrates and decaying organic matter found along the ocean floor. Being a predator and a scavenger, the Asterias lutea plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance within its ecosystem.

   Due to its hardy nature and adaptability, the yellow star is often encountered in intertidal zones and subtidal depths up to 50 meters. It can withstand a wide range of temperatures and salinities, enabling it to thrive in various coastal environments. However, excessive human activities, pollution, and climate change pose threats to the survival of Asterias lutea populations, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect this ecologically significant species.

Etymology of ASTERIAS LUTEA

The word "Asterias lutea" has its origins in Latin and Greek.

The genus name "Asterias" comes from the Latin word "aster", which means "star". This refers to the star-like appearance of the common starfish. In Greek, "aster" is also used to describe a star.

The species name "lutea" is derived from the Latin word "luteus", meaning "yellow". This is due to the yellow or orange coloration commonly found on the body of the Asterias lutea starfish.