Seasonal variations of cold tolerance in intertidal mollusks and relation to environmental conditions in the St. Lawrence Estuary

摘要: Seasonal variations of cold tolerance Mytilus edulis, Mya arenaria, Macoma balthica, and Acmaea testudinalis were examined. The lower median lethal temperature (MLT) all species was low throughout the year, with reduced seasonal variation. High MLT values, between −10 −15 °C, observed for while −12.5 −20 Mytilus. are partly explained by water salinity. Small (juveniles) Mytilus, Mya, showed less than large (adult) (MLT −8.0 °C). possibility genetic adaptation due to selection tolerant individuals is discussed. Cold determinations animals subjected cyclic emersions various durations a "sublethal" −8 °C every 12.4 h (one tidal period) cumulative significant effect repeated mild stress. ecological si...