Differences in Algal, Gastropod, and Arthropod Coverage Surrounding Pisaster Ochraceus and Other Asteroids in Humboldt County, California

Authors

Desa Smith, Humboldt State UniversityFollow
Jana Lott, Humboldt State UniversityFollow
Savannah Williams, Humboldt State UniversityFollow
Shayan Farzadpour, Humboldt State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Predation within the intertidal zone, specifically regarding the predator-prey interaction between sea stars in Class Asteroidea and their food source, contributes to a large biodiversity of organisms. In this experiment, we compared the percent coverage of algae and shelled organisms within a quadrat surrounding three types of predatory sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus, Dermasterias imbricata, and Lepasterias hexactis) to determine their habitat based on predatory behavior. Our data showed a significant difference in algae and shelled organism coverage between different species of sea star; shelled organism percent coverage was less than algae percent coverage in all species of sea stars. The niche, or role and position a species plays in its environment, of each star ultimately influenced the frequency and diversity of other recorded organisms.

Recommended Citation

Smith, Desa; Lott, Jana; Williams, Savannah; and Farzadpour, Shayan (2020) "Differences in Algal, Gastropod, and Arthropod Coverage Surrounding Pisaster Ochraceus and Other Asteroids in Humboldt County, California," IdeaFest: Interdisciplinary Journal of Creative Works and Research from Cal Poly Humboldt: Vol. 4, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/ideafest/vol4/iss1/5