Climate change in the rocky intertidal zone: predicting and measuring the body temperature of a keystone predator

摘要: Forecasting the responses of populations and ecosystems to climate change requires that we understand both direct effects temperature on organism physiology indirect interactions such as predation competition. The sea star Pisas- ter ochraceus is a keystone predator in rocky intertidal zone with broad geographic distribution along west coast North America. We developed mechanistic heat budget model uses environmental data predict body temperatures P. ochraceus. Model accuracy was verified by comparing output temperatures, generated using measured microclimatic input, live field. average absolute errors between predicted were ~1°C. To continuously monitor field, loggers thermally mimic Accuracy these biomimetic tested logger they found within Loggers deployed at different tidal heights site Bamfield, British Columbia, Canada, investigate within-site variation. also explored relationship vertical A negative correlation maximum Day n number stars + 1. These results suggest reached during aerial exposure low tide, least part, may determine where are located, which could affect their foraging limits.