Trophic Level Effects on 15N/14N and laC/12C Ratios in Bone Collagen and Strontium Levels in Bone Mineral

Abstract

This study examines stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in bone collagen and the elemental concentrations of strontium in the bone mineral of terrestrial vertebrates fi'om a variety of ecosystems. Documentation of the separation oftrophic levels by these indices is essential for the assessment of the trophic position of prehistoric humans. Particular emphasis is given to carnivores in this study as they are generally underrepresented in most archeological assemblages. Nitrogen isotope ratios and strontium p.p.m. values can separate herbivores and carnivores depending upon the scale of the analysis. Separation is more pronounced the smaller the geographic area of the sample