Shell properties of commercial clam Chamelea gallina are influenced by temperature and solar radiation along a wide latitudinal gradient

• DOI: 10.1038/srep36420
• Publication Date: 2016-11-02T10:50:37Z
• Authors: Francesca Gizzi; Maria Giulia Caccia; Ginevra Allegra S...; Arianna Mancuso; Michela Reggi; Simona Fermani; Leonardo Brizi; Paola Fantazzini; Marco Stagioni; Giuseppe Falini; Corrado Piccinetti; Stefano Goffredo
• Keywords: Environmental gradient

Phenotype can express different morphologies in response to biotic or abiotic environmental influences. Mollusks are particularly sensitive parameters, showing macroscale shell morphology variations parameters. Few studies concern at the scale levels along gradients. Here, we investigate features macro, micro and nanoscale, populations of commercially important clam Chamelea gallina a latitudinal gradient (~400 km) temperature solar radiation Adriatic Sea (Italian cost). Six clams with shells same length were analyzed. Shells from warmest most irradiated population thinner, more oval shape, porous lighter, lower load fracture. However, no variation was observed CaCO3 polymorphism (100% aragonite) compositional textural indicating effect parameters on basic processes biomineralization. Because importance this species as commercial resource Sea, experimentally quantified significant mass fracture C. may have economic implications for fisheries producing economical yield fishermen consumers coastline.