SGER: Evolution of Reproductive Mode in Arctic Sea Stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea: Asteriidae)

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This study proposes to conduct a preliminary survey of arctic sea stars in the family Asteriidae located in the Bering Sea. The PIs are proposing an exploratory molecular phylogenetic study that addresses a fundamental question about the evolution of echinoderm larval forms and adaptation to polar conditions. The study will investigate the evolutionary history of brooding and non-brooding sea stars the central and southern Bering Sea by taking advantage of an extensive database on reproductive mode in Arctic sea stars and a unique opportunity to collect critically needed sea star species. The work will involve the use of an already planned cruise in the Bering Sea by the USFWS vessel Tiglax in the summer of 1997 to the Pribilof Islands and central Aleutian Islands. Because these opportunities are time sensitive and likely not to occur again for a decade, the PIs have chosen to submit a proposal of limited scope under the guidelines of the Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER) program.