Vancouver, British Columbia. -- Canadian zoologists have determined elevated water temperatures and high carbon dioxide concentrations can boost the growth of a species of sea star.
The University of British Columbia scientists said their study is one of the first to look at the impact of ocean acidification on marine invertebrates that don't have a large calcified skeleton or external shell. The researchers said their findings challenge current assumptions about the potential impact of climate change on marine species.
The scientists discovered a temperature increase of just three degrees and a doubling of CO2 concentrations enabled the Purple Ochre Sea Stars (Pisaster ochraceus) to grow nearly twice as fast as they normally would.
