Starfish 'Pump Up' to Cool Down

from BBC News Online

One starfish has a remarkable strategy to avoid overheating in the sun, scientists have discovered.

The starfish pumps itself up with cold seawater to lower its body temperature when exposed to the sun at low tide. It is equivalent to a person drinking seven litres of water before heading into the midday sun, scientists say.

However, global climate change may drastically interfere with this vital mechanism by increasing sea temperatures, the researchers warn.