The crown-of-thorns starfish that devastated sections of the Great Barrier Reef has been found to be even more resilient than scientists thought
She said the research suggested that when reefs struck by bleaching recovered, they could be attacked by outbreaks of young starfish.
Researchers grew two groups of starfish to the age of 10 months and 6½ years respectively, preventing them from eating coral. They found both groups grew to the same maximum size of 16 to 18 millimetres, and that the second group had no trouble switching to a coral diet at the age of 6.5 years.Once on a coral diet, the starfish could rapidly grow to up to a metre in length and consume a square metre of reef in a day or two, said Professor Maria Byrne, who supervised the research.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Coronavirus is less deadly than SARS — experts say that's why it's killed more people overallHere's why the response to COVID-19 has been so much more severe than that of SARS.
Read more »
V'landys: 'Why wouldn't we restart? That's the bottom line'ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys is confident the NRL would avoid the 'catastrophic' consequences he had predicted now that the Telstra Premiership is set to resume on May 28.
Read more »
Deputy Premier Barilaro: 'NRL the tonic we need to get through virus'The NSW government has told ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys that it will work with him to get the competition going as soon as possible.
Read more »
Charting the effect of COVID-19 lockdowns worldwideFrom the first case of COVID-19 to today: We chart the dramatic effect of adhering to lockdowns around the world | Nigelgladstone
Read more »
Billy's No.1: Slater crowned Simply The Best fullbackBest Fullback of the last 30 years ❗❗ 'I’m extremely humbled. Reality didn’t really sink in until I started naming the fullbacks I watched, idolised and built my game around over the last 30 years,' Billy Slater.
Read more »
Why these Australians are sticking it out in New York during its worst week yetAs coronavirus fatalities are expected to peak in New York this week, these Australians told SBS News why they have decided to stay put, or feel like they have no other option.
Read more »