Comparative influence of genetics, ontogeny and the environment on elemental fingerprints in the shell of Perna...

The trace elemental composition of biogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) structures is thought to reflect environmental conditions at their time of formation. As CaCO₃ structures such as shell are deposited incrementally, sequential analysis of these structures allows reconstructions of animal movements. However, variation driven by genetics or ontogeny may interact with the environment to influence CaCO₃ composition. This study examined how genetics, ontogeny, and the environment influence shell composition of the bivalve Perna canaliculus. We cultured genetically distinct families at two sites in situ and in the laboratory. Analyses were performed on shell formed immediately prior to harvest on all animals as well as on shell formed early in life only on animals grown in the laboratory. Discriminant analysis using 8 elements (Co, Ti, Li, Sr, Mn, Ba, Mg, Pb, Ci, Ni) classified 80% of individuals grown in situ to their family and 92% to growth site. Generalised linear models showed genetics influenced all elements, and ontogeny affected seven of eight elements. This demonstrates that although genetics and ontogeny influence shell composition, environmental factors dominate. The location at which shell material formed can be identified if environmental differences exist. Where no environmental differences exist, genetically isolated populations can still be identified.