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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/222924
Skeletal magnesium content in Antarctic echinoderms along a latitudinal gradient
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Ocean warming and acidification driven by anthropogenic CO2 emissions may impact the mineral composition of marine calcifiers. Species with high skeletal Mg content could be more susceptible in polar regions due to the increased solubility of CO2 at lower temperatures. We aimed to assess the environmental influence on skeletal Mg content of Antarctic echinoderms belonging to Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea, Echinoidea and Holothuroidea classes, along a latitudinal gradient from the South Shetland Islands to Rothera (Adelaide Island). We found that all skeletal structures, except for echinoid spines, exhibited high Mg content, with asteroids showing the highest levels. Our results suggest that asteroids and holothuroids exert a higher biological capacity to regulate Mg incorporation into their skeletons. In contrast, the variability observed in the skeletal Mg content of ophiuroids and echinoids appears to be more influenced by local environmental conditions. Species-specific differences in how environmental factors affect the skeletal Mg content can thus be expected as a response to global climate change.
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AZCÁRATE-GARCÍA, Tomás, ÁVILA ESCARTÍN, Conxita and FIGUEROLA BALAÑÁ, Blanca. Skeletal magnesium content in Antarctic echinoderms along a latitudinal gradient. Marine Environmental Research. 2024. Vol. 202. ISSN 0141-1136. [consulted: 9 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/222924