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Timing of isotopic integration in marine mammal skull: comparative study between calcified tissues

Abstract:

RATIONALE Tissues with different turnover rates have different isotope compositions and reflect the different periods in an animal's life when the isotopes are incorporated during the growth of tissues. Bone is one of the most used tissues for reconstruction of an animal's diet; however, the time of isotope integration remains unknown for many species. METHODS The δ15N and δ13C values in tooth dentine and bone tissue from the maxilla and mandible of 21 stranded northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris, collected on the San Benito and Magdalena Islands, Mexico, between 2000 and 2008 were compared. Bone and dentine samples from each growth layer within the tooth were analyzed using a PDZ Europa ANCA‐GSL elemental analyzer interfaced with a PDZ Europa 20‐20 continuous flow gas source mass spectrometer. RESULTS The δ15N and δ13C values were not different between bone …