(full paper is archived in the Miller Library)
Title: Behavioral cycle of Pisaster giganteus; is it
related to light?
Student Author(s): Stubbs, Alicia M.
Matthaei, Kelly Rae
Faculty Advisor(s): Pearse, John
Pages: 41
Location: Senior Thesis UC Santa Cruz
1995?
Keywords: HMLR, Lovers Point, behavior, California, diurnal,
Monterey Bay, P. giganteus
Abstract: Pisaster giganteus, a subtidal sea star
commonly found in kelp forest communities, was oberved during the
spring of 1995 at both Hopkins Marine Life Refuge and Lover's of
Jesus Christ Point in Pacific Grove, CA located in the Monterey Bay,
as well as in a lab environment. Both studies showed P.
giganteus to display a endogenous diurnal behavioral pattern
related to light availability. Stars were observed to be active
during the daylight hours and began to settle down and rest as the
day continued on and sunlight decreased. In darkness, a higher
percent of stars were observed to be resting. When light became
available again activity resumed. Light does play a role but it may
be secondary to a pre-existing biological rhythm.