Influence of Reproduction on Stable-Isotope Ratios: Nitrogen and Carbon Isotope Discrimination between Mothers, Fetuses, and Milk in the Fin Whale, a Capital Breeder

摘要: AbstractIn mammals, the influence of gestation and lactation on tissue stable-isotope ratios females, fetuses, milk remains poorly understood. Here we investigate incidence these events δ13C δ15N values in fin whales sampled off northwestern Spain between 1983 1985. The effect was examined muscle pregnant females (n = 13) their fetuses 10) that nursing 21) 25). Results suggest are enriched compared to mothers both 15N (Δ15N 1.5‰) 13C (Δ13C =1.1‰), while, muscle, is 0.3‰) but depleted −0.62‰). This pattern consistent with previously observed for other species that, like whale, rely endogenous energy during reproduction, it substantiates a general difference physiological processing nitrogen carbon balances income capit...