Paine's Sea Star

Paine's Sea Star, scientifically known as *Pisaster ochraceus*, plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of rocky intertidal ecosystems. As a keystone predator, it primarily feeds on mussels, preventing their overpopulation. By controlling mussel numbers, Paine’s Sea Star creates space for other species to thrive, promoting biodiversity. Its presence supports a diverse and healthy ecosystem, illustrating how one species can significantly influence community structure. This importance was demonstrated in experiments by ecologist Robert Paine, which showed that removing sea stars leads to decreased diversity and ecosystem destabilization.