Question

Given that adult deuterostomes typically display bilateral symmetry, what is the evolutionary significance of the radial symmetry in starfish?

Answer 1

It is known that starfish, as well as the larvae of echinoderms, exhibit bilateral symmetry, however, at the time of metamorphosis, this is substituted with radial symmetry. The fundamental importance of radial symmetry is that it is suitable for the animals, which do not move, and this symmetry helps these species to reach into their surroundings from all the sides.