Testing Assumptions for Stable Isotope Analysis of Marine Mammal Dentin Growth Layer Groups
We validate several previous assumptions in this field of study. First, dentin samples for stable isotope analysis can be sampled from different locations across a GLG. Second, researchers can compare stable isotope values from the same GLGs of different teeth collected from the same individual in most cases, as the δ<sup>13</sup>C and δ<sup>15</sup>N values did not vary with the sampled tooth. Third, a common protocol of formic acid and graphite treatment to enhance GLG visibility does not bias the δ<sup>13</sup>C and δ<sup>15</sup>N values from dentin. We also describe factors to consider and cautions associated with these conclusions.
Authors
- Carolyn M. Kurle (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1121-9924)
- Kelly R. Bowen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7718-4504)
Institutions
- University of California San Diego (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry
- Published
- 2025-02-03
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.9997
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.72
Funders
- Smithsonian Institution
- PADI Foundation
- American Museum of Natural History
- University of Washington
- National Institutes of Health
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Museum of the North, University of Alaska
- National Museum of Natural History
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, San Diego
- Burke Museum, University of Washington
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center