Sensitivity of newly transformed juveniles of the freshwater pearl mussel: Margaritifera margaritifera to acute toxicity of a wide range of contaminants

Hydrobiologia - The freshwater pearl mussel (FWPM) Margaritifera margaritifera is a bivalve mollusk critically endangered in Europe. There is a special concern about the conservation of this...     

Spatio-temporal variations in biological performances and summer mortality of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas in Normandy (France)

Mortality and biological performances of half-grown Crassostrea gigas were studied from spring 2000 to autumn 2001 at six instrumented stations located in two areas (Gefosse and Grandcamp) of the Bay of Veys (Normandy). Shell and meat growth, condition indexes and a macroscopic maturity index were determined on oysters deployed at the six stations in order to assess spatial variability in the influence of environmental conditions. In addition, histological and biochemical analyses were performed in order to determine the sex and establish the reproductive cycle (at all six sites) and the biochemical composition (at four stations). The data set including monthly mean temperatures and data provided by examination of 2,837 oysters were analysed by Principal Component Analysis and a Hierarchical Ascending Clustering which resulted in the formation of four clusters. The highest station on the shoreline belonged to a cluster characterized notably by low total weight due to a short immersion/feeding period, whereas all other stations belonged to another single cluster. Nevertheless, various biological differences were found between these stations, e.g. the reproductive cycle was generally synchronized throughout the bay but some differences relative to spawning occurrence were observed. In 2000, oyster mortality was higher at Gefosse than at Grandcamp, the latter being a more marine area. In 2001, oyster mortalities were significantly higher and all stations were strongly affected. In the Bay of Veys, oyster biological performances and mortality thus showed spatio-temporal variations which were worthy to be discussed.     

Honest signaling in mouse lemur vocalizations?

International Journal of Primatology - Animal vocalizations may provide information about a sender’s condition or motivational state and, hence, mediate social interactions. In this study, we...     

Correction to: Comparison of optimization parametrizations for regional lung compliance estimation using personalized pulmonary poromechanical modelling

Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology -