| Title |
Examining potential drivers of variation in the carbonate-collagen stable carbon isotope offset of modern and Late Pleistocene ungulates from C3-dominant ecosystems |
| Publication Type
|
Journal Article |
| Year of Publication
|
2025 |
| Authors |
Eastham, L.C., R. Feranec |
| Journal |
Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology |
| Volume |
674 |
| Pagination |
113014 |
| Abstract |
The stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of mammalian hard tissues offers a powerful tool for understanding the ecology of modern and fossil species. Over the past 40 years, the offset between δ13C values measured in structural carbonate and collagen (Δca-co) has been used as an indicator of trophic category. However, several recent studies have demonstrated substantial variation in the Δca-co values of herbivores, raising calls for caution in the use of static Δca-co values to interpret trophic relationships. To better clarify mechanisms driving variation in herbivore Δca-co, we examined the relationship between δ13Ccarbonate and δ13Ccollagen in modern and Late Pleistocene ungulates from C3-dominant ecosystems in the Americas and Eurasia. Factors investigated included diet, digestive physiology, and tissue type. Our results showed considerable variation in herbivore Δca-co, underscoring the need for caution when applying static values to reconstruct trophic position. We found a consistent diet-driven pattern in Δca-co values (grazer > mixed feeder > browser). Identifying this pattern in modern and ancient species adds to growing evidence for the generalizability of the relationship between herbivore diet and Δca-co. In contrast, the fossil data set showed evidence counter to predictions based on physiology: non-ruminants displayed higher Δca-co values and a greater rate of increase in δ13Ccarbonate relative to δ13Ccollagen than ruminants. Finally, tissue type substantially influenced Δca-co, with values derived from teeth generally higher and more variable than from bone. This work highlights the potential for herbivore Δca-co to serve as a refined indicator of dietary ecology in modern and ancient ecosystems. |
| DOI |
10.1016/j.palaeo.2025.113014
|
| URL |
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031018225002998
|
