Combining conventional and non-conventional stable and radiogenic isotope systems in fossil vertebrates to reconstruct ecological and dietary frameworks

Combining conventional and non-conventional stable and radiogenic isotope systems in fossil vertebrates to reconstruct ecological and dietary frameworks

Advisor/s

Dr Brandon Mahan

College or Research Centre

College of Science & Engineering

Summary of Project

Conventional stable isotope compositions, such as that for C and N, have been used extensively in reconstructing trophic levels in both modern and ancient ecosystems (marine and terrestrial). Similarly, conventional radiogenic isotope systems—namely Sr—have been used to differentiate and/or delineate spatial catchment sizes and migratory patterns. More recently, so-called non-conventional stable isotope systems, for example Ca and Zn, have shown great utility in providing complementary information with respect to constraining trophic levels and dietary patterns in particular, and with potentially fewer/less diagenetic effects than is seen for C and N, which are derived primarily from soft tissues. This project aims to combine conventional stable (C, N) and radiogenic (Sr) isotopes with novel stable isotope systems (Ca, Zn), along with trace element systematics, and apply this battery approach to dental enamel samples from a rare set of Cretaceous crocodylomorphs with mammal-like characteristics (and possible insectivorous and/or omnivorous diets), along with co-existing theropod, sauropod and “normal” crocodylomorph teeth to create a framework for interpretation, and potential evidence for a much broader trophic range in ancient crocodylomorphs relative to today.

Key Words

Stable isotopes; ecosystems; radiogenic isotopes

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Updated: 22 Mar 2022