Brittle stars light up scientists' understanding of marine life evolution

By Bridie Smith
Updated September 23 2014 - 10:23am, first published August 24 2014 - 4:36pm
Dr Tim O'Hara with one of Melbourne Museum's 10,000 brittle stars. Photo: Michael Clayton-Jones
Dr Tim O'Hara with one of Melbourne Museum's 10,000 brittle stars. Photo: Michael Clayton-Jones
Starring role: Brittle stars are helping solve ocean mysteries. Photo: Museum Victoria
Starring role: Brittle stars are helping solve ocean mysteries. Photo: Museum Victoria
Dr Tim O'Hara with one of Melbourne Museum's 10,000 brittle stars. Photo: Michael Clayton-Jones
Dr Tim O'Hara with one of Melbourne Museum's 10,000 brittle stars. Photo: Michael Clayton-Jones
Starring role: Brittle stars are helping solve ocean mysteries. Photo: Museum Victoria
Starring role: Brittle stars are helping solve ocean mysteries. Photo: Museum Victoria

The scientific secrets of some of Museum Victoria's unique marine animal collection have been unlocked for the first time, thanks to DNA testing.