Delta-C13 / Delta-N15
Definition
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in tissue, expressed as deviation from a reference standard (delta notation). They reflect diet composition and trophic level, and can distinguish savanna from forest habitat and wet from dry ecosystems.
- Measures
- Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in tissue
- Reflects
- Diet composition and trophic level
- Distinguishes
- Savanna vs forest, wet vs dry ecosystem
Common questions
Why are carbon and nitrogen isotopes analysed together rather than alone?+
Carbon values mainly track plant type in the diet while nitrogen values track trophic level and protein source, so combining both narrows the range of possible habitats and diets more than either measurement alone.
What kind of forensic case uses combined delta-C13/delta-N15 analysis?+
Wildlife forensic cases and human provenance investigations where establishing an animal's or person's likely habitat or region of origin from tissue samples such as hair, bone, or feather is at issue.
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