title: Elements and elasmobranchs: hypotheses, assumptions and limitations of elemental analysis.
abstract: Quantifying the elemental composition of elasmobranch calcified cartilage (hard parts) has the potential to answer a range of ecological and biological questions, at both the individual and population level. Few studies, however, have employed elemental analyses of elasmobranch hard parts. This paper provides an overview of the range of applications of elemental analysis in elasmobranchs, discussing the assumptions and potential limitations in cartilaginous fishes. It also reviews the available information on biotic and abiotic factors influencing patterns of elemental incorporation into hard parts of elasmobranchs and provides some comparative elemental assays and mapping in an attempt to fill knowledge gaps. Directions for future experimental research are highlighted to better understand fundamental elemental dynamics in elasmobranch hard parts.
authors.affiliation: Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories and Environment Institute, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: McMillan
authors.affiliation: Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories and Environment Institute, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Izzo
authors.affiliation: Adelaide Microscopy, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wade
authors.affiliation: Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories and Environment Institute, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Gillanders
mesh_terms: D058500:Animal Fins / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D018940:Elasmobranchii / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004602:Elements; D007568:Jaw / Q000737:chemistry; D010037:Otolithic Membrane / Q000737:chemistry; D013131:Spine / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D004602:Elements
keywords: age validation; laser-ablation ICP-MS; movement and connectivity; population structure; vertebrae