Welcome to You Ask Andy

Mandy Leemer, age 15, of Shreveport, La., for her question:

HOW DOES A SEA ANEMONE REPRODUCE?

A sea anemone is a sea animal that looks like a flower called the anemone. It usually remains fixed to a rock or ssome other surface. A sea anemone reproduces by either forming eggs, by dividing in half or by budding.

When a sea anemone buds, a young animal grows out of the base of the parent's body. Eventually, it breaks off and grows by itself.

Sea anemones belong to a group of water animals that include the corals, hydras and jellyfish. The animal's body varies from about a quarter of an inch in length to more than three feet in the giant sea anemone of Australia.

One end of the animal's cylinder shaped body attaches to rocks, shells or wharf pilings. The other points out from the surface. This end has a mouth surrounded by tiny arms of tentacles. Sea anemones capture food with these tenacles.

When a sea anemone is disturbed, it pulls in its tentacles and shortens its body. It then looks like a round lump on a rock.

 

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