These Photos Of Starfish Butts Will Make Your Day

Why is it so hilarious when animals have human characteristics? Is it because animals are blissfully ignorant of the ways in which they sometimes look like the strangest aspect of us? Or perhaps it’s because they highlight our silliest traits and allow us to be self-deprecating in the midst of so much seriousness. A photo of a big-butted starfish has caught the world’s attention, and not only is it making us laugh, but it’s also helping us learn about often-misunderstood sea creatures.

What Scientists Want Us to Know However, scientists might not be as amused as the rest of us. Sure, they might laugh for a moment, but marine biologists would like to make one fact clear: That is not a starfish.