Stable Isotopes/ trace elements Flashcards
1
Q
What are trace elements?
A
Elements found in extremely small quantities in the human body
2
Q
What is stable isotope Analysis
A
- None has isotopic profile
- Isotopes of interest are C12/13 N15
- provides relative quantity of food items consumed
3
Q
What are the 2 photosynthetic pathways for plants?
A
- Tropical and subtropical plants take C4 pathway (more readily accept C13)
- temperate plants take C3 pathway (more readily accept C12
- ratio of either will show up in bone analysis
4
Q
How does the food chain relate with N15?
A
The higher up the food chain the higher the N15 concentration in that animal high concentration in breast milk as well. Babies being breastfed have higher concentrations of N15 compared to mothers
5
Q
Strontium has a higher concentration in carnivore or herbivores or omnivores?
A
Herbivores
