Predators Induce Phenotypic Plasticity in Echinoderms across Life History Stages

In this study, we tested whether planktonic echinoderm larvae exposed to cues from benthic predators modified their juvenile phenotypes at settlement. Green urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) and Pacific sand dollar (Dendraster excentricus) larvae were exposed to predatory green crab (Carcinus maenus) or red rock crab (Cancer productus) cues, respectively, from their early-stage juvenile rudiment formation through settlement. Green urchin larvae exposed to predator cues settled with significantly more juvenile spines compared to unexposed controls. Sand dollars exhibited earlier settlement, larger disk area, fewer spines, and shorter spines when exposed to benthic predator cues. Sand dollar larvae were also exposed to cues from planktonic crab larvae and in response settled sooner and larger, with even fewer and shorter spines than those exposed to benthic predator cues. These results suggest that echinoderm larvae alter their juvenile phenotype in response to predator cues, but the response varies between species, and responses to planktonic threats may be prioritized over benthic ones.PMID:37725697 | DOI:10.1086/725633
Source: The Biological Bulletin - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: research