Seasonal differences in distribution and behavior of the mesopredator sea star, Leptasterias spp., found in the extreme zones of the rocky intertidal
By: Cassandra Vaniotis
Department: Integrative Biology
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sarah Cohen
Leptasterias pusilla and Leptasterias aequalis are the dominant Leptasterias species found in Central and Northern California. Previous studies have observed differences in species distribution and specialized behavioral traits related to habitat extremes. This study seeks to characterize behavioral variation of righting response and attachment strength of L. pusilla and L. aequalis across seasons to determine plasticity of behaviors and behavioral changes due to seasonal environmental conditions. Attachment and righting behavior are measured in the field after conducting timed counts to collect survey stars. Differences in behavior and intertidal zone preference between the species of Leptasterias spp. suggest these species may fill different niches in the microhabitats they inhabit.