A new sea star species has been identified in Australia. This species is a hermaphrodite that self-fertilizes and keeps its young inside its body. Other species of sea stars in this genus have both male and female sea stars. They release eggs and sperm into the water where the egg is fertilized. How does the new sea star species influence our understanding of biology?

How Do Starfish Reproduce Sexually and Asexually? - Starfish Reproduction

a
It shows that populations of organisms can separate into new species.
b
It shows that populations of organisms have individuals that form with new traits.
c
It shows that populations of organisms in a community stay the same.
d
It shows that populations of organisms have a certain carrying capacity.
e
It shows that populations of organisms share the same habitat.
f
It shows that populations of organisms interact with the nonliving environment.

a. It shows that populations of organisms can separate into new species.

The discovery of the new sea star species with unique reproductive characteristics challenges our understanding of traditional reproduction methods in sea stars. By self-fertilizing and keeping its young inside its body, this species has evolved a new method of reproduction that sets it apart from other species in its genus. This suggests that populations of organisms can undergo genetic changes and adaptations that may lead to the development of new species, contributing to the overall diversity and complexity of biological systems.