Effect of Temperature on Embryonic to Larval Development of Pacific Sand Dollars

Overview

Understanding how life responds to changes in temperature is a critical endeavor given the predicted climate changes the planet will experience in the future. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature on early development of the Pacific sand dollar, Dendraster excentricus. It was hypothesized that sand dollars cultured at 21.5°C would develop faster than those reared at 13.5°C, and there would be significant differences in larval morphology. Embryos were grown at their respective temperatures and were monitored every thirty minutes for development. Larval growth metrics were analyzed every two-three days and included post-oral arm length (POAL), mid-body length (MBL), and stomach length. Embryonic development rate was significantly higher at 21.5°C than 13.5°C (ANCOVA Temp*time p<0.01). Larval developmental rate was also significantly faster at 21.5°C, p=0.012. The difference in MBL and the stomach length between the larvae in 13.5°C and 21.5°C increased with time. POAL was longer in high temperature larvae early in development, resulting in a large difference in the POAL: MBL ratio. This difference diminished as larval development progressed. These results are important because with increasing global temperatures, larvae will increase their metabolic rates and abating physical adaptations to this in later stages could adversely impact the survival of these species. These results confirm the necessity for integrative approaches for understanding the true effects of temperature changes on organismal biology.

Competition history

• AJAS 2020 Category not listed

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