Research Training Program

Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History

PROJECT SUMMARY
1995

Tarra D. Speaks
The College of Wooster
Wooster, Ohio
David L. Pawson, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist:
Department of Invertebrate Zoology
Division of Echinoderms

"My experiences this summer have given me a valuable perspective on the manner in which research is accomplished. The diversity of areas in which to study has been eye-opening. I learned a great deal about managing museums' collections. Engaging in research has broadened my skills and increased my enthusiasm for research. In the Research Training Program you gain experience that lasts a lifetime!"

Western Atlantic Species of the Sea Star Genus Astropecten: A Reevaluation

ABSTRACT
This project identified which species of the genus Astropecten are present off the east coast of the United States and Gulf of Mexico; as well as identified reliable external morphological characteristics which may be used to identify specimens of Astropecten to the species level. Reliable identification of Western Atlantic Ocean species of the sea star genus Astropecten has been difficult, due to plasticity of some characters. A review of the most recent monograph of these species was done in order to determine which characters were consistently reliable and/or species-specific in the literature when compared to specimens in the USNM collections. Comparisons of the external characteristics between previously identified and unidentified specimens in the alcohol and dry collections of the National Museum of Natural History (USNM) were made. A dichotomous key was composed for the eight species of Astropecten in the United States and Gulf of Mexico. Distribution patterns around the east coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico were mapped for new material. Mistakes in the National Museum of Natural History have been corrected, and unidentified specimens have been delimited to the species.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, Award Number BIR-9300225.

Letter of Gratitude