Review of Echinoderm Research in Puerto Rico, with the Focus on Biological and Ecological Aspects

Abstract

Echinoderms are functionally important components on coral reef ecosystems. Coral reef communities on the insular shelf of Puerto Rico have been studied, especially in the southwest region of the island. However, many of these reef surveys do not include the abundance of echinoderms. Echinoderm research carried out in Puerto Rico has mostly focused on ecological aspects. During 2006, Benavides revised the taxonomic list of shallower water Echinodermata in Puerto Rico. She identified a total of 108 echinoderm species (6 crinoid species, 14 asteroid species, 44 ophuiroid species, 15 echinoid species and 29 holothuroid species). In addition, Hernandez-Delgado has carried out multiple studies describing echinoderm distribution around Puerto Rico, especially in areas where research has been limited. The University of Puerto Rico (UPR), an important research center, has supported multiple studies related to echinoderms. The laboratory of Jose Garcia-Arraras in the Department of Biology at UPR has done comprehensive work on the process of intestinal regeneration in the sea cucumber Holothuria (Selenkothuria) glaberrima (Selenka); in the hope that researchers would start considering echinoderms as model systems for pharmacological studies in muscle development and regeneration. Cameron and Williams et al. have described the reproduction patterns, larval distribution/settlement and recruitment of different sea urchin species in La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Other ecological studies such as bioerosion and echinoderm diversity are also discussed. In this chapter we present a comprehensive historical account of echinoderm research in Puerto Rico. We also make recommendations for future research.