Stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in killer whales (Orcinus orca) stranded on the coast of Hokkaido, Japan

作者：Endo Tetsuya^*; Kimura Osamu; Sato Rie; Kobayashi Mari; Matsuda Ayaka; Matsuishi Takashi; Haraguchi Koichi

来源：Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2014, 86(1-2): 238-243.

DOI：10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.07.012

• Killer whale (Orcinus orca)
• delta C-13
• delta N-15
• delta O-18
• Mercury
• Lactation

We analyzed delta C-13, delta N-15 and delta O-18 in the muscle and liver from killer whales stranded on the coast of Japan. The delta N-15 values in the muscle samples from calves were apparently higher than those in their lactating mothers, suggesting that nursing may result in the higher delta N-15 values in the muscle samples of calves. The delta N-15 value in the muscle samples of male and female whales, except for the calves, were positively correlated with the delta C-13 values and body length, suggesting that the increases in delta N-15 were due to the growth of the whales and increase in their trophic level. In contrast, the delta O-13 values in the muscle samples of female whales except for the calves were negatively correlated with the delta C-13 and delta N-15 values. The delta O-15 may be lower in whales occupying higher trophic positions (delta N-15), although it might also be affected by geographic and climatic conditions.

• 出版日期2014-9-15