Mother-offspring isotope fractionation in two species of placentatrophic sharks

J Fish Biol. 2010 Nov;77(7):1724-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2010.02813.x. Epub 2010 Oct 21.

Abstract

Stable-isotope values of a scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini and blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus and their respective embryos were analysed. Embryos of both species were enriched in δ(15) N compared to their mothers (0·82 and 0·88‰, respectively), but fractionation of δ(13) C varied. Embryonic S. lewini were enriched (1·00‰) in δ(13) C while C. limbatus were depleted (0·27‰) relative to their mothers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carbon Isotopes / analysis
  • Carbon Isotopes / metabolism*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / chemistry
  • Female
  • Nitrogen Isotopes / analysis
  • Nitrogen Isotopes / metabolism*
  • Sharks / metabolism
  • Sharks / physiology*

Substances

  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Nitrogen Isotopes