Isotopic signatures in mammoth molars as possible biogeographic and paleoecologic markers
EMSL Project ID
47669
Abstract
Presently, there is a lack of information on mammoth habitat ranges across the Northwest despite the abundance of mammoth findings. Accordingly, this study seeks to examine isotopic variations in mammoth tooth enamel for paleoecological and paleoclimatic markers indicative of discrete mammoth ranges in the Northwest. Tooth enamel is widely used in paleoecological studies because of its resistance to alterations through time. In contrast to fossilized bones and dentin, tooth enamel does not become easily contaminated by environmental stresses. Most importantly, isotopic ratio variations in tooth enamel are known to vary with diet, climate, and other biogeographic conditions. Key isotope ratios targeted in this study include, 18O/16O, 13C/12C, and 87Sr/86Sr. The 18O/16O ratio adheres to the composition of the meteoric water being consumed, and that is governed by paleoclimate. Similarly, the 13C/12C ratios are indicative of the types of plants (i.e. C3 vs. C4 vs. CAM plants) consumed. Browsers generally eat more C3 plants (which are generally more depleted in 13C than C4 plants) where as grazers generally consume more of the C4 plants. Strontium isotopes are known to vary with geologic (i.e. bedrock and soil) environment. This investigation will be essential in furthering efforts to identify the geographic origin of the Coyote Canyon mammoth in Kennewick, Washington. Speculation remains on whether this mammoth originates from its burial site or if the mammoth was transported there during an Ice Age flood event. The Sr isotopic analyses here will form the basis for O and C isotopic analyses to be conducted later.Rapid Access Justification: This work comprises part of the summer research of a PNNL Undergraduate intern, Ms. Brenda Villasenor, who returns to her studies at UW for Fall Quarter in a few weeks.
Project Details
Project type
Limited Scope
Start Date
2012-10-04
End Date
2012-12-04
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator