What elements are analyzed via stable isotope analysis for rhino diet?
Answer
Carbon and nitrogen
Stable isotope analysis is a sophisticated chemical fingerprinting technique used by scientists to reconstruct the diet of ancient animals like *Coelodonta antiquitatis*. This method focuses on measuring the ratios of specific isotopes, namely carbon and nitrogen, found embedded within fossilized bone samples. Different plant types leave distinct isotopic signatures; for example, C3 plants, which include woody shrubs, create a different chemical signature compared to C4 plants, which include certain types of grasses. By analyzing the relative abundance of these isotopes, researchers can accurately determine the proportional contribution of various plant groups to the animal's overall long-term diet.
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