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Comparative anatomy and biology of two species of the asteroid genus pisaster

Author

Norman William Mayer, University of the Pacific

Date of Award

1963

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Joel W. Hedgpeth

First Committee Member

Ernest P. Edwards

Second Committee Member

John S. Tucker

Abstract

Interest in the endemic Pisaster was first aroused by the great variation of external color in Pisaster ochraceus. This in turn led to observations of the diversity of the spinous patterns of this sea star. Following the suggestion of Dr. Jool D. hedgepeth it was decided to make an extensive comparison of the common species of Pisaster.

Detailed comparison between Pisaster brevispinus and Pisaster ochraceus have been made only by Fisher (1930) and Verrill (1914). Both of these investigators restricted their observations largely to the endoskeleton and its calcareous protuberances. In addition to analyzing the work of Fisher, an attempt to differentiate between the two species regarding behaviour, tolerances, gross anatomy and natural history has been made. In addition some mention of the relationships with other members of the family Asteriidae is recorded in this study.

Pages

128

Recommended Citation

Mayer, Norman William. (1963). Comparative anatomy and biology of two species of the asteroid genus pisaster. University of the Pacific, Thesis. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/1548