Itsasaldiak eta urte-sasoiak oskol-dimentsioen eta oskol-dentsitatearen moldapena dakar Mytilus galloprovincialis muskuiluan

Abstract

Because shell integrity determines survival, shell form is subject to strong selection pressure, turning it a fundamental evolutionary driving force. In the present study, the alleged effect of both season and habitat upon shell dimensions and density have been analysed. Mussels where sampled in May and November, and from two different populations (intertidal and subtidal). The results show a major impact of the population origin upon the shell form of mussels, which might be a specific morphological adaptation to the harsh intertidal environment. Shell density, conversely, changes with seasonality: denser shells appear in May, which may be an answer to the winter conditions. The results are useful to understand mussel growth, which has in turn many scientific applications.