TY - JOUR TI - On the functional morphology of the alimentary canal of the sea star Asterias forbesi (Desor) DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3R78GWT PY - 1954 AB - This investigation embodies a study of several aspects of the anatomy and physiology of the organs of the alimentary canal of Asterias forbesi (Desor). The specific purposes of the investigation were several folds (1) the development of a method of rapid field identification to differentiate between A. forbesi and the confusingly similar Asterias vulgaris Verrill; (2) a detailed study of the gross and minute morphology of the alimentary tract, and a standardization of the terms applied to the various organs; (3) a preliminary investigation of the digestive enzymes of the canal; (4) a study of the mechanism of the eversion of the stomach during feeding; (5) a study of the comparative growth of A. forbesi on various lamellibranch and gastropod diets; and (6) a preliminary physio-ecological investigation of the method of predation. KW - Marine Biology and Physiology KW - Marine biology LA - English ER -