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Stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in killer whales (Orcinus orca) stranded on the coast of Hokkaido, Japan.
- Source :
-
Marine pollution bulletin [Mar Pollut Bull] 2014 Sep 15; Vol. 86 (1-2), pp. 238-243. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Jul 28. - Publication Year :
- 2014
-
Abstract
- We analyzed δ(13)C, δ(15)N and δ(18)O in the muscle and liver from killer whales stranded on the coast of Japan. The δ(15)N values in the muscle samples from calves were apparently higher than those in their lactating mothers, suggesting that nursing may result in the higher δ(15)N values in the muscle samples of calves. The δ(15)N value in the muscle samples of male and female whales, except for the calves, were positively correlated with the δ(13)C values and body length, suggesting that the increases in δ(15)N were due to the growth of the whales and increase in their trophic level. In contrast, the δ(18)O values in the muscle samples of female whales except for the calves were negatively correlated with the δ(13)C and δ(15)N values. The δ(18)O may be lower in whales occupying higher trophic positions (δ(15)N), although it might also be affected by geographic and climatic conditions.<br /> (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1879-3363
- Volume :
- 86
- Issue :
- 1-2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Marine pollution bulletin
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 25080859
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.07.012