CPC Young Wavemakers Presents- Maja White

Maya White-Intertidal Gymnastics: Warmer Temperatures Hinder the Righting Response in the Sea Star Pisaster ochraceus

Maja's project investigates how elevated ocean temperatures affect the righting response of the ochre sea star, Pisaster ochraceus.

Sea stars were exposed to temperatures of 11°C, 15°C, 18°C, and 20°C, and their ability to flip themselves upright after being overturned was measured. Results showed that higher temperatures significantly increased righting times and reduced success rate, with the poorest performances at 20°C. These findings suggest that the righting reflex is a sensitive indicator of thermal stress and that warming ocean temperatures impair sea star behavior and resilience before lethal temperature limits are reached. 

Register here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nBNVKzz8QcmNtrPYMSPP7Q