Genome-Wide Scan for Positively Selected Genes in Sessile Molluscs Highlights the Genetic Basis for Their Adaptation to Attached Lifestyle

Molluscs are one of the most diverse groups of animals and exhibit a rich and diverse variety of form and lifestyle. Most molluscs live with a free-moving lifestyle, while some molluscs are sessile. The adaptation to the two distinct lifestyles required complex changes, from molecules to organs, and physiology to morphology. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide scan for positive selection by comparing the available genomes of two sessile molluscs with four free-moving molluscs. A total of 40 genes were identified undergoing positive selection in the sessile molluscs by the branch-site model. Functional characterization showed that they were mainly enriched in two pathways, Oxidative phosphorylation(OXPHOS) and TGF-beta signaling pathway. The unexpected positive selection on OXPHOS genes in sessile molluscs suggests that the adaptation of OXPHOS involves many factors beyond enhancing ATP production. A modified OXPHOS regulatory system may allow sessile molluscs to better cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. Moreover, positively selected genes in TGF-beta signaling pathway probably have played a key role in the patterning of body plans and growth in metazoans. We speculate that these genes are associated with the body structure and organic adaptation to a sedentary lifestyle in sessile bivalve molluscs.

The importance of terrestrial carbon in supporting molluscs in the wetlands of Poyang Lake

Allochthonous organic matter plays an important role in nutrient cycling and energy mobilization in freshwater ecosystems. However, the subsidies of this carbon source in floodplain ecosystems have not yet well understood. We used a Bayesian mixing model and stable isotopes （613C and 815N） of primary food resources and dominant molluscs species, to estimate the relative importance of allochthonous carbon sources for consumers in a representative sub-lake of Poyang Lake during a prolonged dry season. Our study inferred that terrestrial-derived carbon from Carex spp. could be the primary contributor to snails and mussels in Dahuchi Lake. The mean percentage of allochthonous food resources accounted for 35%- 50% of the C incorporated by these consumers. Seston was another important energy sources for benthic consumers. However, during the winter and low water-level period, benthic algae and submerged vegetation contributed less carbon to benthic consumers. Our data highlighted the importance of terrestrial organic carbon to benthic consumers in the wetlands of Poyang Lake during the prolonged dry period. Further, our results provided a perspective that linkages between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems might be facilitated by wintering geese via their droppings.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Cyclin-Dependent Kinases(CDK)and Cyclin Family in Molluscs

Cell cycle regulation that plays a pivotal role during organism growth and development is primarily driven by cyclindependent kinases(CDKs)and Cyclins.Although CDK and Cyclin genes have been characterized in some animals,the studies of CDK and Cyclin families in molluscs,the ancient bilaterian groups with high morphological diversity,is still in its infancy.In this study,we identified and characterized 95 CDK genes and 114 Cyclin genes in seven representative species of molluscs,including Octopus bimaculoides,Pomacea canaliculata,Biomphalaria glabrata,Lottia gigantea,Mizuhopecten yessoensis,Crassostrea gigas and Aplysia californica.Genes in CDK and Cyclin families were grouped into eight and 15 subfamilies by phylogenetic analysis,respectively.It should be noted that duplication of CDK9 gene was detected in P.canaliculate,L.gigantea and M.yessoensis genomes,which has never been recorded in animals.It is speculated that duplication may be the main course of expansion of the CDK9 subfamily in the three molluscs,which also sheds new light on the function of CDK9.In addition,Cyclin B is the largest subfamily among the Cyclin family in the seven molluscs,with the average of three genes.Our findings are helpful in better understanding CDK and Cyclin function and evolution in molluscs.

The Clam Cyclina sinensis (Gmelin) Phylogeography Study with 28S rRNA Gene and Potential of Nuclear rRNA Genes in Genetic Assessments of Molluscs

Intraspecific diversity of molluscan species is usually studied based on maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA,from which only part of the evolutionary history can be reflected.Some nuclear ribosomal RNA genes such as 28S rRNA represent poten-tial candidates that can be easily applied in phylogeography because of lacking intraindividual variation.However,considering their low polymorphism,genetic appraisals on whether and how they can be used in population studies are necessary.Here,we applied a short 28S rRNA to assess genetic patterns of the clam Cyclina sinensis along the coast of China and compared the results with a for-mer study based on COI and ITS-1 analyses.The results revealed the 28S rRNA data set was characterized by an extremely low level of variation,with only seven haplotypes defined for 93 individuals.Haplotype and nucleotide diversity for each population was al-most the lowest when compared with the other two markers.However,the distribution of two dominant haplotypes showed clear geo-graphic patterns,and significant population differentiation was revealed between the East China Sea and the South China Sea.These patterns were highly concordant with findings of the former study that populations of C.sinensis were historically separated by land bridges among sea basins.Our study suggested that although the nuclear rRNAs have shortcomings such as low variation,they have advantages including lack of intraindividual variation and high amplification rates.Applying rRNA genes can enrich the toolbox of nuclear markers in molluscan phylogeographic studies.

The Impact of Pollution on the Bouregreg Estuary （Morocco, Atlantic Ocean）： The Molluscs as an Indicator of Metal Contamination

On the Morrocan Atlantic coast, the estuary of the Bouregreg was submitted to many anthropic effects. After the dam Sidi Mohammed ben Abdellah was built in 1974, the flow became almost null. The waters of the estuary are meant for recreational activities, fishing, but at the same time they receive water collecting domestic and industrial wastewater. The waste in old landfills was not treated and leaked into the river water. The matter gets worse with the action of tides which make it difficult to escape the pollution load （physicochemical, bacteriological, heavy metals, etc.）. The concentrations of heavy metals （Pb, Fe, Cu and Cr） recorded in the sediments are higher than those found in the two molluscs. However, we have found out that Mytilus has accumulated more heavy metals （Cr, Pb and Zn） than Solen marginatus. The Zn makes an exception： It presents a greater concentration in the molluscs （63.015 mg/kg dry weight for Mytilus and 232.736 mg/kg dry weigh for Solen） than in the sediments （57.639 mg/kg）. The amount of these metals exceeds the standard values. The impact of the marine pollution on human health derives from the consumption by humans of heavy-metal polluted molluscs. The detected concentrations of these pollutants are superior to the permissible maximum amounts.

Production of Filler Aggregate from Waste of Bivalves Molluscs Shells

The work presents an experimental study held with shells of molluscs of the species Anomalocardia brasiliana and Tivela mactroides, commonly found in the Northeast coast of Brazil. A local community living from the collection of these animals was the motivation of the work. This community wishes to install an industry for processing these molluscs; however, as government agencies require making an appropriate allocation of discarded shells, the community needs an environmental project of final destination of waste. Thus, the expectation of the work was to obtain a material to be added to Portland cement to act as filler, and also obtain a limestone that can be used as ink, because the material is composed of 80% calcium carbonate. The shells were ground and passed the sieve 325 mesh （0.044 mm）. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. Mortars specimens were prepared with percentages： 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% replacement of Portland cement. Two conditions were analyzed： with shells in a raw and burned state. The obtained results confirm the filler material effect, which suggests its use as a partial replacement of cement. However, due to the short silicas＇s concentration, the pozzolanic effect was not observed.

Dynamic of Mangrove Associated Molluscs in Anthropized Areas of the Cameroon Coastline

Due to unabated anthropogenic exploitations, mangrove forests globally are constantly under pressure and degradation, which may result in the reduction of ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. Molluscan fauna, which is one of the main macroinvertebrates that play a major ecological role in nutrient dynamics in mangroves, are sensitive to the changes in their habitat. This survey aims to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on the diversity of molluscs’ communities in the mangrove forest. Anthropogenic disturbances within 20 sampling sites were valued at six mangrove stands and patched scoring the degree of influence according to vegetation, structure, waste and trampling. Molluscs were caught by hand and counted within 1 × 1 m2 plots placed at three points distant of 50 m established using a straight line transect of 100 m. Upon the 20 sites investigated, five were slightly disturbed, eight moderately disturbed and seven sites were highly disturbed. The mean abundance of molluscs decreased from slightly disturbed areas (172.25 ± 73.09 Ind·m−2) to highly disturbed areas (100.57 ± 62.84 Ind·m−2). Highly disturbed areas have shown lower species richness (R = 1.09 ± 0.15) and diversity (H’ = 2.30 ± 0.31). Human activities in the mangrove forest could particularly have effects on the diversity of molluscs, however, feature potential conservation measures have to be in harmony with the needs of the local population.

Helcionelloids from the Cambrian Fortunian of the Northern Yangtze Platform,China

A study of the morphological and microstructural characteristics of helcionelloids from the Nanjiang area(north Sichuan,China)at the northern Yangtze Platform was undertaken,in order to understand their phylogenetic position.Helcionelloids fossils from the Kuanchuanpu Formation of the Changtanhe–Maolinzi section include 7 genera and 11 species.There are distinct differences in the degree of shell bending,the apical morphology and apex position,the outline of the aperture and the height of the shell,all of which constitute important identification features.Although helcionelloid apices exhibit varying degrees of rotation towards the aperture,they do not show any signs of evident distortion.A pair of basally-symmetrical muscle scars are discovered on the shells of helcionelloids(such as Bemella simplex),showing a distinct difference when compared with those of the stem-group gastropod(e.g.,Pelagiella).The prismatic shell layer of helcionelloids has been observed,which are common components in Cambrian molluscs,but differ significantly from the dense layer microstructure found in contemporary molluscs.The microstructures,muscle scars and morphological characteristics demonstrate that helcionelloids represent a stem-group of molluscs.

Heavy metal concentrations in edible bivalves and gastropods available in major markets of the Pearl River Delta

Molluscs are able to accumulate heavy metals and impose health hazard to consumers. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the heavy metal concentrations in edible bivalves and gastropods available in major markets of the Pearl River Delta. Fourteen species of edible molluscs were purchased from six markets in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province. The fresh of these biota were tested for their cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), antimony (Sb) and tin (Sn) concentrations (based on wet weight). The results indicated that amongst the 14 edible molluscs, only Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Sb and Sn concentrations in three species (Ruditapes philippinarum, Perna viridis and Hemifusus tuba) were within the local regulatory limits. Over 60% of bivalve species exceeded maximum permitted levels of Cd (2 mug/g) and Cr (1 mug/g), while over 40% of gastropod species exceeded the maximum levels of Sb (1 mug/g) and Cr (1 mug/g). Most of the samples collected from Hong Kong had significantly higher contents of Pb and Sb, but similar levels of Cd, Cu and Zn when compared with samples collected across the border ( p < 0.05; p 0.01; p < 0.001 respectively). In general, the molluscs purchased in Guangdong markets had higher metal contents than those purchased from the Hong Kong markets. When compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake or Maximum Acceptable Daily Load recommended by FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, Cd levels of five species (Anadara ferruginea, Pinna pectinata, Chlamys nobilis, Babylonia lutosa and Hemifusus terntanus) and Cr levels of seven species ( Anadara ferruginea, Paphia undulata, Pinna pectinata, Babylonia lutosa, Hemifusus terntanus, Cymbium melo and Cipangopaludina chinensis) were higher than both the human daily acceptable limits (for Cd and Cr respectively) and the local regulatory levels (for Cd and Cr respectively).

AVAILABILITY OF PHOSPHORUS FROM SELECTED INORGANIC PHOSPHATES TO JUVENILE ABALONE,HALIOTIS DISCUS HANNAI INO.

The availability of phosphorus to juvenile abalone, Haliotis discus hannai from primary, secondary and tertiary calcium phosphate, primary sodium or potassium phosphate separately or in combination was determined in a 120-day feeding trial. Seven semi-purified diets were formulated to contain relatively constant dietary phosphorus, ranging from 0.78%-0.82%. The concentrations of dietary phosphorus were presumed to be slightly below the requirement for abalone. A brown alga, Laminaria japonica, was used as a control diet. Abalone juveniles of similar size (average weight 1.18 g; average shell length 18.74 mm) were distributed in a single-pass, flow-through system using a completely randomized design with eight treatments and three replicates each treatment. The survival ranged from 71.1% to 81.1%, and was not significantly (P>0.05) related to dietary treatment. However, the weight gain rate (41.72%-65.02%), daily increment in shell length (36.87-55.07 μm) and muscle RNA-DNA ratio (3.44-4.69) were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatment. Soft body alkaline phosphatase activity (10.9-19.8 U/g wet tissue) and carcass levels of lipid (7.71%-9.33%) and protein (46.68%-49.35%) were significantly (P<0.05) responsive to available phosphorus of the diets. Dietary treatment had significant effect (P<0.05) on concentrations of phosphorus in the whole body (WB) and soft body (SB). Apparent digestibility coefficients (45%-97%) of phosphorus were also significantly (P<0.05) different between dietary treatments. The results indicated that among these inorganic compounds, primary calcium, potassium and sodium phosphates separately or in combination could be utilized effectively by juvenile abalone as dietary phosphorus sources (availability ranging from 87%-97%). However, secondary and tertiary calcium phosphates were found to be low in availability, the values being 45% and 77%, respectively.

De novo transcriptome sequencing reveals candidate genes involved in orange shell coloration of bay scallop Argopecten irradians

Molluscan shell color has received persistent attention for its distinctive diversity and complexity. In the present study, six transcriptome libraries obtained from two developmental stages, pre-pigmentation and post-pigmentation, were used for paired-end sequencing in the bay scallop Argopecten irradians. In total, 289 839 646 paired-end reads were assembled into 70 929 transcripts. Using BLASTX and BLASTN, 30 896 unigenes were successfully annotated against the SWISS-PROT, NR, and KOG database. Gene ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes classification identified numbers of unigenes involved in biomineralization and pigmentation. Digital gene expression analysis revealed that melanin, trace metal elements and porphyrins are potentially involved in shell coloration of A. irradians.

The fossil record of durophagous predation in the James Ross Basin over the last 125 million years

We review the evidence for predation of shelly benthic prey over 125 million years of earth history in the James Ross Basin,Antarctica(~65°S).Although poor in the Early Cretaceous lower parts of the sequence,which represent essentially deeper water facies,evidence for both potential crushers and drillers becomes more apparent in the Santonian–Campanian Santa Marta Formation,and by the Maastrichtian López de Bertodano Formation there is an extensive fossil record of drill holes attributable to naticid gastropods,and some evidence of crushing by decapods crustaceans and possibly other taxa too.This continues at a similar level of intensity across the K/Pg boundary into the Danian Sobral Formation,but is less well constrained in the latest Paleocene–Early Eocene.The most extensive record of predation occurs in the Middle Eocene section of the La Meseta Formation on Seymour Island which also records the highest levels of benthic diversity within the entire basin.This key section is providing some important new evidence to suggest that the rate of acceleration of benthic predation intensity through the Late Mesozoic–Early Cenozoic in the polar regions may be similar to that seen in lower latitude regions.Predator–prey interaction was a key factor in the evolution of polar marine faunas too.

Cytochemical characterization of yolk granule acid phosphatase during early development of the oyster Crassostrea gigas(Thunberg)

In this study, a cytochemical method and transmission electron microscopy was used to examine acid phosphatase activities of yolk granules throughout the early developmental stages of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic change of yolk granule acid phosphatase, and the mechanisms underlying its involvement in yolk degradation during the early developmental stages of molluscs. Three types of yolk granules （YGI, YGⅡ, and YGⅢ） that differed in electron density and acid phosphatase reaction were identified in early cleavage, morula, blastula, gastrula, trochophore, and veliger stages. The morphological heterogeneities of the yolk granules were related to acid phosphatase activity and degrees of yolk degradation, indicating the association of acid phosphatase with yolk degradation in embryos and larvae of molluscs. Fusion of yolk granules was observed during embryogenesis and larval development of C. gigas. The fusion of YGI （free of acid phosphatase reaction） with YGII （rich in acid phosphatase reaction） could be the way by which yolk degradation is triggered.

Lack of mitochondrial genetic structure in the endangered giant clam populations of Tridacna maxima(Bivalvia: Cardiidae:Tridacninae) across the Saudi Arabian coast

The present investigation focuses on population genetic structure analysis of the endangered giant clam species Tridacna maxima across part of the Red Sea,with the main aim of assessing the influence of postulated potential barriers to gene flow(i.e.,particular oceanographic features and marked environmental heterogeneity)on genetic connectivity among populations of this poorly dispersive bivalve species.For this purpose,a total of 44 specimens of T.maxima were collected from five sampling locations along the Saudi Arabian coast and examined for genetic variability at the considerably variable mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I(COI).Our results revealed lack of population subdivision and phylogeographic structure across the surveyed geographic spectrum,suggesting that neither the short pelagic larval dispersal nor the various postulated barriers to gene flow in the Red Sea can trigger the onset of marked genetic differentiation in T.maxima.Furthermore,the discerned shallow COI haplotype genealogy(exhibiting high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity),associated with recent demographic and spatial expansion events,can be considered as residual effect of a recent evolutionary history of the species in the Red Sea.

Macrofaunal communities of threatened subtidal maёrl seabeds on Tenerife (Canary Islands, north-east Atlantic Ocean) in summer

This study contributes with the first data on physical and taxonomical structure of macrofaunal assemblages of maerl beds from the Canary Islands. Maerl beds and Cymodocea nodosa meadows of the Canary Islands are considered biodiversity hot-spots in terms of taxonomic and functional biodiversity with a broad geographical and depth ranges. The authors have studied the structure of the macrofaunal assemblages on different habitat types （Cymodocea, Caulerpa, sabellid field, garden eel and maerl beds）. Samples were taken at a range of depths between 14 and 46 m. Correlations were performed among abiotic variables （granulometry, organic matter, nitrogen and phosphates） and the most abundant taxa. Similarity analysis was performed to explore the patchiness of seabeds at a local scale. Significant differences were found in macrofaunal assemblages among seabed types, with highest abundances and lowest biodiversity in sabellid fields, where the sabellid Bispira viola dominated. The polychaetes Aponuphis bilineata and Chone filicauda and the mollusc Turritella brochii were the most abundant taxa on maerl beds. The mosaic of granulometric conditions would explain the associated macroinfaunal community structure and contribute to the creation of diversity on these relatively well preserved seabeds at a local scale.

The Black Sea Dating Game and Holocene Marine Transgression

Dating of major sea-level changes using shells or calcareous microfossils is prone to errors in semi-enclosed marine environments where inputs of seawater and river water vary over time and space. The need to refine mollusc-based age estimates for the rate of the Holocene marine transgression in the Black Sea is the focus of multiple palaeoceanographic and archaeological studies. This ongoing “dating game” seeks to clarify conflicting evidence for a hypothetical catastrophic marine flood that forced the emigration of Neolithic farmers from the shores of a Holocene freshwater lake in the Black Sea. The potential importance of confirming or rejecting this megaflood hypothesis has led to multiple attempts at refining the chronology of the marine transgression and quantifying the palaeosalinity of the Black Sea surface water during the Holocene. Here we report that six new AMS radiocarbon ages of 8890 ± 50 to 8450 ± 40 yr BP were obtained for wood, grass and sedge leaves from peat layers in Core 342 at 33.16 - 32.71 m below present sea level on the Ukrainian Shelf. These plant materials provide critical new ages for quantifying Black Sea carbon reservoir issues. The accuracy of our new AMS wood/peatages is independently supported by palynochronological correlation. The ages of our plant materials have ~100 years precisionandare ~420 - 520 years younger than those previously reported for unsorted detrital peat in Core 342. Paired mollusc—wood ages for brackish—freshwater Dreissena polymorpha shell from detrital peat also shows that an inaccuracy of >1120 yr can arise for shells during times when carbon reservoir values in the semi-isolated, brackish-water Black Sea could depart significantly from global average. Our revised sea level curve shows a gradual early Holocene transgression from water depths of -45.9 to -32.8 m, with initial Mediterranean inflow by 8.9 ka BP.

Socioeconomic Aspects for Coastal Mollusk Commercial Fishing in Costa Chica,Guerrero,Mexico

An important part of the fishing activity in Mexico is carried out in the coastal strip and has a strong social, economic and ecological importance. In the state of Guerrero, mollusks fishing is coastal and craftwork activity focused on a small number of species and without information on biology and reproductive or ecological aspects for most species caught. This research was carried out in the Costa Chica region, Guerrero, Mexico and the aims were: 1) To analyze the socioeconomic features of cooperative societies of fishing production;and 2) To know the diversity of mollusks caught by coastal fishing and the species that have the greatest importance in fishing. From February to April 2013-2015, seven fish coop units, four piers and places where seafood is sold were visited. For the socio-economic analysis and the determination of the species that have more importance in the coastal fishing, a total of 67 surveys were applied. In order to determine the cast of species, the specimens captured by the fishermen were used, which were identified and counted. A total of 67 interviews were analyzed and an average of $1806.00 was estimated as weekly economic income just as a product of fishing, it was also estimated that on average the fishermen work 4.3 days a week. Fisheries cooperatives market most of their produce directly to restaurateurs and locals on the piers. Replacement of older adults by young fishermen from the same region was observed, most are adults between 22 and 39 years old. 25 species of mollusks of economic importance were registered for the coastal fishermen of the Costa Chica. Six species were identified as the main target for catching fishermen. The fishing of mollusks in Costa Chica is not subject to any type of control, which has led to overfishing reflected in the decline sizes and banks in populations of commercial importance.

Early Cambrian Mollusc Watsonella crosbyi:A Potential GSSP Index Fossil for the Base of the Cambrian Stage 2

The mollusc Watsonella crosbyi was studied on the basis of material from the lower Cambrian Dahai Member of the Zhujiaqing Formation in eastern Yunnan, China and the Pestrotsvet Formation of the Aldan River region in the Siberian Platform. This fossil had been excessively described under different names in the literature, such as Heraultia varensalensis Cobboid, 1935, H. sibirica Missarzhevsky, 1974, Heraultipegma yunnanensis He and Yang, 1982, H. yannanese He and Yang,1982, Watsonella yunnanensis, W. crosbyi Grabau, 1900, etc. Taxonomic revision shows that other species are junior synonyms of W. crosbyi. Analysis of functional morphology implies that W. crosbyi may be rather a heicionelloid than a rostroconch since its univalved conch is untorted endogastric and lacks a rostrum and a true internal pegma. Replicas of the original microstrnctures preserved on the surfaces of phosphatic internal moulds confirm that the shell consists of two layers. The inner layer is lamello-fibrillar, and the outer layer is spherulitic prismatic. The widespread geographical occurrences in both siliciclastic and carbonate rocks of the late Terreneuvian indicate that W. crosbyi is an important index fossil for global correlations and subdivision of the Cambrian Series I （Terreneuvian）.The first appearance datum （FAD） of W. crosbyi is suggested to be a potential GSSP （Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point） candidate marker for defining the base of the Cambrian Stage 2.

Effects of dietary menadione on the activity of antioxidant enzymes in abalone, Haliotis discus hannai Ino

A 240-day growth experiment in a re-circulating water system was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary menadione on the growth and antioxidant responses of abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino. Triplicate groups of juvenile abalone (initial weight: 1.19 ± 0.01 g; shell length: 19.23 ± 0.01 mm) were fed to satiation with 3 semi-purified diets containing 0, 10, and 1 000 mg menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB)/kg, respectively. Results show that there were no significant differences in the rate of weight gain or in the daily increment in shell length of abalone among different treatments. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) in viscera were significantly decreased with dietary menadione. However, activities of these enzymes except for GPX in muscle were increased. Therefore, antioxidant responses of abalone were increased in muscle and decreased in viscera by dietary menadione.

Biogenic Accumulations of Uranium in Recent Seas

The objective of this study is to determine the geochemical role of molluscs in the distribution of uranium in the marine ecosystem. Biogeochemical studies are carried out on recent mollusc shells from the Caspian Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Marmara, Aegean Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, and Indian Ocean, which differ from each other in terms of physical, chemical, geographic, and geochemical characteristics. In this study, nine Gastropoda and fifty-four Pelecypoda shells of different species are analyzed to document variations of uranium in seasonal layers, which were formed by the seasonal carbonate-organic phase of molluscs during their entire lives. Shell used in this study principally comprises three layers: upper (outer) prismatic, middle prismatic, and inner (mother-of-pearl) layers. In addition, when possible, the head, the middle, and the lower parts of the shells are used for analyses separately. Also, the biological accumulation rate values for each different mollusc species rel