ISOTOPE ANALYSIS OF ANCIENT DIET
Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Analysis of Bone Collagen
Stable isotope analysis of archaeological materials, chiefly bone collagen, is commonly
used in archaeological investigations of ancient human occupation. Carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of
bone collagen can aid understanding of the roles that marine and terrestrial resources and wild and
cultivated plants played in ancient diets. And can help reveal dietary differences in population sub-groups
based on gender, social status and age.
The differences in the carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 content of
foodstuffs and the preservation of these isotopes in bone collagen, provides a method for determining the
dietary practices of humans and animals alive hundreds to tens of thousands of years before present. The
carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 information obtained from bone collagen can distinguish consumers of: C3
from C4 plants; meat from fish; legumes from non-legumes; herbivores from carnivores and define
trophic levels.
Carbon-13 and Nitrogen-15
Analysis of Bone Collagen (Catalogue No.: ED01)
See Example Laboratory Report
We
require a minimum of 2 mg of collagen to be supplied for duplicate analysis. We will provide you with a laboratory
report and results table containing carbon-13, nitrogen-15, percent carbon and percent nitrogen data within
21 days of receiving samples.
Additional Services
We also offer
hydrogen and sulfur isotope analysis of bone collagen and carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope analysis for a
range of archaeological samples, including food residues, botanical and zoo-archaeological remains.
For
further information on our isotope analyses for archaeological science please
Email us or use our quote form.
Recommended Reading:
Isotopes in Paleoenvironmental Research
By Melanie J. Leng (ISBN 1402025033)
Stable Isotopes in Ecology and Environmental Science
By Kate Lajtha (ISBN 0632031549)
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