Carryover effects in a sea star: juvenile resource availability does not compensate for a poor larval environment

Abstract

AbstractCarryover effects are widespread in nature and can link early-life experiences to the regulation of populations. However, for organisms with complex life cycles, it is unclear whether offspring can overcome negative early-life experiences when provided with abundant post-metamorphic resources. We tested this by rearing larvae of the keystone sea star Asterias forbesi, under high or low food conditions, and then reared the juveniles for 2–3 weeks under one of four food treatments. Larvae reared under low food conditions took longer to reach metamorphosis and settled as smaller juveniles with fewer spines. For early settlers (mean age at settlement = 24.0 d), carryover effects of low larval food significantly reduced post-metamorphic size, mussel consumption and growth. However for late settlers (mean age at settlement = 29.3 d), there were no carryover effects of larval food availability detected post-metamorphosis. The differences between early and late settlers may indicate a trade-off between larval duration and the presence of carryover effects. Our data suggest that carryover effects mediated by body size at settlement could determine post-metamorphic survival, growth, and performance, ultimately impacting the recruitment of this keystone predator.