is focused in the integral study of reproductive strategy and trophic ecology of a small brooding species sea star Asterina fimbriata along the Patagonian coasts, to understand life history and estimate the ecological role of this species in the environment. This study will provide new knowledge about the biology of this species, expanding the information to promote the conservation of invertebrate biodiversity in Patagonia. Research goals To study the reproductive cycle of sea star Asterina fimbriata and its relation with different environmental variables. Analyze the development stages, number and size of its offspring. Determinate reproductive effort of the adult females and analyze relationship between fecundity and parent size. Determinate the diet composition along study period through a stable isotope and e-DNA metabarcoding techniques. Also study feeding behavior of adults and the possible influences of water temperature. Estimate energetic cost of the adult females throughout the reproductive cycle and evaluate the ecological role of this species in the environment.
