Do carnivores have a higher proportion of light isotopes than plants?

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the "kinetic isotopic effect" in determining an individual's position in the food chain. This is done by analyzing the ratio of common isotopes of elements such as N, C, P, H, O, and S. The use of stable isotopes in food web analysis has been around for a while, with C, N, O, and Deuterium being the most commonly used elements. However, the answer to whether carnivore animals have a higher proportion of light isotopes than plants depends on the specific research question being answered. Further input from someone more familiar with the techniques and reasoning is needed.
  • #1
ORF
170
18
Hello,

because of the "kinetic isotopic effect",

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_isotope_effect

can the ratio of the common isotopes of N, C, P, H, O, S determine the position of an individual in the food chain? (eg, have carnivore animals higher proportion of light isotopes than plants? )

Thank you for your time.orf
 
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  • #2
Partial answer: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.842.9085&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Foodweb analysis using stable isotopes has been around for while, the link is more of a review than anything new.

C, N, O, and Deuterium are the most commonly used elements. And AFAIK, the answer is: it depends on what is the research question specifically answering.

Someone who is more familiar with the techniques and reasoning should comment.
 
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Likes BillTre

1. Do carnivores have a higher proportion of light isotopes than plants?

Yes, in general, carnivores do have a higher proportion of light isotopes compared to plants. This is because they obtain their nutrients from consuming other animals, which have already processed and incorporated the isotopes from the plants they have eaten.

2. What is the reason for the higher proportion of light isotopes in carnivores?

The higher proportion of light isotopes in carnivores is due to a process called "trophic fractionation." This means that as energy is transferred from one organism to another in a food chain, the heavier isotopes are preferentially used, leaving a higher proportion of light isotopes in the remaining tissues.

3. Are there any exceptions to carnivores having a higher proportion of light isotopes?

Yes, there can be exceptions to this general trend. Some carnivores, such as polar bears, consume a large amount of marine mammals, which have a different isotopic signature than land-based plants. In these cases, the carnivores may have a lower proportion of light isotopes compared to plants.

4. Does the proportion of light isotopes in carnivores vary among different species?

Yes, the proportion of light isotopes in carnivores can vary among different species depending on their diet and habitat. For example, carnivores that primarily consume insects may have a higher proportion of light isotopes compared to those that primarily consume large mammals.

5. Can the proportion of light isotopes in carnivores be used to study their diet and habitat?

Yes, the proportion of light isotopes in carnivores can be a useful tool for studying their diet and habitat. By analyzing the isotopic composition of a carnivore's tissues, scientists can gain insights into what types of prey they are consuming and where they are obtaining their food from.

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