Revisiting old bones: coupled carbon isotope analysis of bioapatite and collagen as an ecological and palaeoecological tool Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • AbstractIsotopic studies of palaeoecological and ecological questions often use bone collagen or bioapatite as substrates, but rarely both. Substantial new information can be gained from the incorporation of isotopic values from both the organic and inorganic fractions of bone. Here we show that combining isotopic data from both substrates provides valuable and unique insights into (1) trophic relationships and dietary interactions; (2) differences in digestive physiologies and (3) identification of palaeontological or archaeological remains that lack diagnostic morphological characters. We present a range of new isotopic data collected from modern and fossil mammals, and investigate patterns within several published datasets. We define carbon isotope spacing variables, and then explore four diverse palaeoecological and ecological case studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

publication date

  • September 1, 2009

Date in CU Experts

  • December 18, 2014 8:29 AM

Full Author List

  • Clementz MT; Fox‐Dobbs K; Wheatley PV; Koch PL; Doak DF

author count

  • 5

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0072-1050

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1099-1034

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 605

end page

  • 620

volume

  • 44

issue

  • 5