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Latitudinal variation in linear growth and other shell characteristics of Macoma balthica

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Abstract

Shells of the bivalve Macoma balthica (L.) were studied from locations throughout its geographic range on both sides of the North Atlantic. These observations were supplemented by records from the literature. North-south clines were detected in shell coloration, relative shell dimensions and shell growth parameters. Moreover, shells from the two sides of the Atlantic were so different (particularly in the south) that these populations can hardly be regarded as conspecific. It is, therefore, argued that latitudinal changes should be studied separately for the American and European populations. In America, growth rates increased continuously to the south, whereas in Europe maximal growth was observed at more intermediate latitudes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB, Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands

    J. J. Beukema

  2. College of William and Mary, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, 23062, Gloucester Point, Virginia, USA

    B. W. Meehan

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  1. J. J. Beukema
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  2. B. W. Meehan
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Communicated by O. Kinne, Oldendorf/Luhe

Virginia Institute of Marine Science Contribution No. 1251

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Beukema, J.J., Meehan, B.W. Latitudinal variation in linear growth and other shell characteristics of Macoma balthica . Marine Biology 90, 27–33 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00428211

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