Laternula elliptica is a key bivalve species and widely distributed around the Antarctic continent. This bivalve has been the study subject in several studies centered on ecological, physiological, biochemical, and behavioral patterns. However, little is known about the chemistry and the biomechanical properties of the shells of this mollusk. Here, we present the first report of the intra-population variability in the organic composition and mechanical properties of L. elliptica shells. Further, we analyze different morphological traits and their association with the metabolism of a population of L. elliptica from King George Island, Western Antarctic Peninsula. The summer metabolic rates and the hepatosomatic index values indicate good health conditions of this clam’s population. Shell periostracum chemistry is quite similar to bivalves from temperate regions, but the relative amount of protein increased ca. five-fold in shells of L. elliptica. The microhardness is approximately 32% lower than in bivalves from temperate regions. Our characterization of the L. elliptica shells suggests that periostracum chemistry could be specially fitted to avoid shell carbon exposure to dissolution (e.g., in corrosive acidified seawater). In contrast, the reduction in shell hardness may result from prioritizing behavioral (burial) and shell repairing strategies to confront biological (predators) and physical disturbances (e.g., ice scouring). Similar studies in other Antarctic mollusks will help understand the role of shell structure and function in confronting projected climate changes in the Antarctic ocean.

椭圆红毛虫是重要的双壳类，在南极大陆周围广泛分布。该双壳类动物已经成为围绕生态，生理，生化和行为模式的几项研究的研究主题。但是，对于这种软体动物的壳的化学和生物力学特性知之甚少。在这里，我们提出了关于椭圆形壳有机组成和机械性能的种群内变异性的第一份报告。此外，我们分析了不同的形态特征及其与L. elliptica种群代谢的关联来自南极西部半岛的乔治岛国王。夏季的代谢率和肝体指数值表明该蛤种群的健康状况。壳骨膜的化学性质与温带地区的双壳类非常相似，但是蛋白质的相对量却增加了。椭圆形壳的五倍。显微硬度比温带地区的双壳类动物低约32％。我们对椭圆形乳杆菌的表征贝壳表明，骨灰质的化学反应可以特别地采用以避免贝壳碳暴露于溶解中（例如，在腐蚀性酸化海水中）。相反，壳硬度的降低可能是由于优先考虑行为（埋葬）和壳修复策略以应对生物（捕食者）和物理干扰（例如，冰冲刷）而导致的。在其他南极软体动物中进行的类似研究将有助于了解壳结构和功能在应对南极海洋预计的气候变化中的作用。