is focused on marine population ecology, particularly in sea stars. My first aim is to study sea star population parameters in rocky intertidal and subtidal shores of North Patagonian gulfs and their relationship with environmental variables. A second aim is to understand how environmental parameters under future climate change scenarios will affect sea star populations. Through micro- and mesocosm experiments, I quantify the effects on the sea stars themselves and predict the effect these changes may have on associated biodiversity. I also investigate the diet of the most abundant sea star species in North Patagonian gulfs through direct observation and the analysis of stable isotopes. Research goals To study density and depth range of rocky intertidal and subtidal sea star populations of North Patagonian gulfs and their associated biodiversity. To compare population structure of each species of sea star between different types of environments within and between gulfs. To analyse sea star diet through direct observations and stable isotopes. To study how changes in environmental variables under climate change scenarios will affect sea star populations.
