Title: UPPER THERMAL REGIMES AND QUIESCENSE IN THE TEMPERATE CORAL ASTRANGIA POCULATA

Abbreviated Abstract: While climate impacts on tropical corals are well-documented, the thermal limits of temperate species like Astrangia poculata remain understudied. Notably, A. poculata enters dormancy during cold winter temperatures (<5°C), but it is unknown if it exhibits a similar “warm-water dormancy” observed in other temperate corals. This study investigates how elevated temperatures (18–33°C) influence tentacle behavior and responsiveness in Rhode Island A. poculata colonies. Following daily feedings, tentacle activity will be monitored both during a week of thermal stress and a subsequent recovery period. Additionally, zooxanthellae densities will be calculated in visually bleached colonies, though counts were primarily used to verify the extent of symbiont loss. By analyzing the relationship between temperature and tentacle behavior, this research will determine if A. poculata utilizes dormancy as a survival mechanism against heat stress. These findings will provide critical insights into the thermal tolerance and resilience of temperate corals in a rapidly warming ocean.