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

Carryover 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.