* They are both eukaryotes: This means they are both made up of cells that have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
* They both have a similar basic body plan: Both humans and starfish are bilaterally symmetrical, meaning they can be divided into two mirror-image halves.
* They both have a nervous system: While starfish have a simpler nervous system than humans, they still have the ability to sense their surroundings and respond to stimuli.
* They both have a digestive system: Starfish have a stomach that can extend outside their body to engulf prey, while humans have a more complex digestive system.
* They both reproduce sexually: Starfish and humans reproduce sexually, although the methods differ significantly.
* They both have a lifespan: Both humans and starfish have a finite lifespan, although the duration varies greatly.
Here are some important differences to keep in mind:
* Starfish are invertebrates, while humans are vertebrates: This means starfish don't have a backbone like humans do.
* Starfish have radial symmetry, while humans have bilateral symmetry: This means starfish have a central point from which their body parts radiate out, while humans have a left and right side.
* Starfish have a water vascular system for movement, while humans have a muscular system: Starfish use a system of canals and tubes filled with water to move, while humans have muscles that contract and relax to move.
While the differences are significant, the similarities show that even seemingly very different life forms share some basic building blocks of life.