Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sean P. Doherty, Michelle M. Alexander, Stuart Henderson, Jason Newton, Jonathan Finch, Matthew J. Collins
Summary: The character and timing of an 'Agricultural Revolution' in British agriculture between the sixteenth and nineteenth century remains a subject of debate. To address this, researchers conducted stable isotope analysis on 658 legal documents written on sheepskin parchment, providing a high temporal resolution analysis of changing agricultural practices and episodes of disease. The results suggest that if an 'Agricultural Revolution' occurred, it took place from the mid-nineteenth century, after the Napoleonic Wars.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leticia Morgana Mueller, Renato Kipnis, Mariane Pereira Ferreira, Sara Marzo, Bianca Fiedler, Mary Lucas, Jana Ilgner, Hilton P. Silva, Patrick Roberts
Summary: This study analyzes stable isotopes in human and animal remains from the Volta Grande do Rio Xingu region to investigate the diets of pre-Columbian populations in the Amazon Basin. The results indicate that people in different areas and time periods primarily consumed C-3 plants, wild terrestrial fauna, and aquatic resources, with varying levels of integration of C-4 plants. The study also highlights regional adaptations to local watercourses and forest types in the Amazon Basin, based on a comparison with other datasets.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna E. Poslednik, Thomas G. Evans, James Jackson, Anthony VanDeValk, Thomas Brooking, Lars Rudstam
Summary: Gut content analyses show that round gobies are highly dependent on dreissenid mussels, but stable isotope analysis often suggests a lower contribution of dreissenids. To test this, round gobies were collected from Oneida Lake and raised under different diets. The results indicate that the importance of dreissenid mussels may be underestimated in stable isotope studies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Quan Zhang, Yanfeng Hou, Xinwei Li, Amy Styring, Julia Lee-Thorp
Summary: Research shows that domestic pigs in Neolithic China primarily consumed millet, with an increasing trend of millet foddering throughout the Yangshao period. Evidence suggests close management of pigs by humans, indicating an intensification of Neolithic pig husbandry in the middle Yellow River region during this period.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David M. Jaramillo, Jose C. B. Dubeux, Martin Ruiz-Moreno, Nicolas DiLorenzo, Joao M. B. Vendramini, Lynn Sollenberger, Cheryl Mackowiak, Luana M. D. Queiroz, Daciele S. Abreu, Liza Garcia, Erick R. S. Santos, Burney A. Kieke
Summary: This study compares stable isotopes to estimate livestock diet selection. It finds that fecal δC-13 is a reliable indicator of diet composition, while fecal δN-15 shows promise for predicting C-3-C-4 diet composition.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianghanyang Li, Perry Davy, Mike Harvey, Tanya Katzman, Tamsin Mitchell, Greg Michalski
Summary: This study analyzed the nitrogen isotopic composition of nitrate aerosols collected at Baring Head, New Zealand, and found significant seasonal variations, with lower values in the summer and higher values in the winter. The study also quantified isotopic fractionations during various oxidation processes of NOx, attributing the seasonal variations to the oxidation pathways of NO2. The overall isotopic fractionation factors were found to be lower in the summer and higher in the winter.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ulle Aguraiuja-Latti, Mari Torv, Kerry L. Sayle, Lembi Lougas, Eve Rannamae, Freydis Ehrlich, Sander Nuut, Taavi Peeters, Ester Oras, Aivar Kriiska
Summary: This study establishes baselines for the dietary practices of past populations in the Eastern Baltic region using multi-isotopic analysis. The results show clear differences in carbon and sulfur isotopic values between marine and terrestrial species, while freshwater fish display overlaps with both ranges. Herbivores show variation in isotopic values based on region. This study provides valuable temporal and geographical references for studying local ecologies and interpreting human data.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
William J. Pestle, Mark Hubbe, Christina Torres-Rouff, Gonzalo Pimentel
Summary: The study found significant changes in consumption patterns over a 600-year period, indicating potential broad diachronic changes in Atacameno society, and a possible episode of social discontinuity around 600 calAD that led to significant changes in consumption practices. Gender did not seem to be a significant factor in the observed dietary differences, and while there were differences in dietary variability among the ayllus, none stood out for having a more clearly differentiated cuisine. Ultimately, the changes in dietary composition over time potentially linked to status and foreignness, suggesting the emergence of social inequality in the San Pedro oases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
R. T. Kramer, R. L. Kinaston, P. W. Holder, K. F. Armstrong, C. L. King, W. D. K. Sipple, A. P. Martin, G. Pradel, R. E. Turnbull, K. M. Rogers, M. Reid, D. Barr, K. G. Wijenayake, H. R. Buckley, C. H. Stirling, C. P. Bataille
Summary: This article introduces the use of strontium isotope analysis to trace the origin of locally produced agricultural products in New Zealand, and establishes a regional bioavailable strontium isoscape. By testing the source of cow milk, the article demonstrates the potential of this model.
Article
Forestry
Leiru Chen, Zhengyu Wen, Ruoyong Yin, Pengfei Deng, Yu Gao, Hui Xu, Xiaoniu Xu
Summary: Anthropogenic activities have increased nitrogen deposition and N availability, potentially exacerbating phosphorus deficiency in subtropical forests. The effects of N and N + P additions on SOC turnover in these forests are crucial for understanding the global C cycle. This study aimed to confirm whether N and N + P additions accelerate or slow down SOC turnover in subtropical forests.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
I. A. Micklem, M. Connan, N. Stander, C. D. McQuaid
Summary: This study investigated the influence of consumer ontogeny on stable isotope ratios and trophic discrimination factors (TDFs) in African penguins. The results showed that age class affected the stable isotope compositions of whole blood and red blood cells, with chicks and fledglings exhibiting lower delta C-13 and delta N-15 values than juveniles and adults. Plasma, however, demonstrated no effect of ontogeny.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Suzanne E. Pilaar Birch, Mary Metzger, Elizabeth Ridder, Steven Porson, Steven E. Falconer, Patricia L. Fall
Summary: The Bronze Age village of Politiko-Troullia in Cyprus had a diversified economy, including agriculture, animal husbandry, and copper metallurgy. Stable isotope analysis of bone collagen suggests that domesticated animals mainly fed on cultivated plants, while hunting wild deer and pigs supplemented the villagers' management of domesticated animals.
Article
Biology
Iuri Icaro, Inmaculada Aleman, Joan Viciano
Summary: This study uses stable-isotope analysis to investigate the diets of ancient populations in Opi Val Fondillo and Sulmona S. Lucia, Italy, during the Vth and VIth centuries BCE. The analysis of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in rib fragments provides insights into dietary habits and environmental changes over time.
Article
Anthropology
Jeremy McCormack, Nicolas Bourgon, Virginie Sinet-Mathiot, Zeljko Rezek, Geoff M. Smith, Jean-Jacques Hublin, Mohammed Dabain, Helen Fewlass
Summary: This study tested the feasibility of analyzing the zinc isotope composition of dissolved mineral solutions during collagen extraction for carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis. The results show that with minor adjustments, the dissolved mineral solution from collagen extraction can be used for zinc isotope analysis, providing additional dietary information.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Pennilyn Higgins, Julie Meachen, David Lovelace
Summary: The predator-prey relationship between Pronghorn and Miracinonyx was tested using isotopic analysis of bone collagen from Natural Trap Cave. The results support the hypothesis that Miracinonyx preyed upon Antilocapra, but not exclusively. Antilocapra was also important prey for lions and wolves, with wolves showing a preference for horses.
QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Matt Sponheimer, David J. Daegling, Peter S. Ungar, Rene Bobe, Oliver C. C. Paine
Summary: Carbon isotopic analysis has challenged our understanding of hominin diet. A study in 1994 revealed that Paranthropus robustus primarily consumed C3 foods but also some C4/CAM resources. However, later studies showed that Paranthropus boisei ate mostly C4/CAM plants and lacked evidence of consuming hard objects. This raises questions about the diet differences between the two robust australopiths and how P. boisei could consume tough foods with its teeth. This review examines new isotopic data and discusses digestives strategies for P. boisei.
QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Aileen C. van der Mescht, Chanel Lewis, Rune van der Merwe, Daryl Codron
Summary: Animals, including the bush cricket, Acanthoplus discoidalis, adopt circadian rhythms and diel calling patterns for successful breeding and predator avoidance. The study found that the bush cricket exhibited diel calling behavior across different vegetation types in the southern Kalahari, with a longer peak calling period than expected. The expanded diel pattern may be a response to reduce intraspecies competition and encounters with predators. Physical defenses may be more important for predation avoidance in this species than acoustic adaptations.
BIOACOUSTICS-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SOUND AND ITS RECORDING
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Aileen C. C. van Der Mescht, Daryl Codron
Summary: South Africa's southern Kalahari region is characterized by high diversity and endemism. This study investigated the response of orthopteran assemblages to environmental changes and the relationship between species and vegetation types. The results highlight the importance of topology in maintaining spatial diversity in the region.
ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Xiaoyu Zhang, Yang Li, Melissa Terranova, Sylvia Ortmann, Saskia Kehraus, Christian Gerspach, Michael Kreuzer, Marcus Clauss, Juergen Hummel
Summary: Sheep with low methane yield had shorter retention times. Pilocarpine, a saliva stimulant, was applied to sheep to reduce retention times and methane yield. Increasing pilocarpine dosage linearly decreased the retention times but did not affect feed intake or methane yield.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANIMAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Marcus Clauss, Daryl Codron, Jurgen Hummel
Summary: Equids, like other odd-toed ungulates, had a higher species diversity in the past compared to today. There are theories suggesting competitive disadvantages of equids, such as having a single toe, lack of a specific brain cooling mechanism, longer gestation periods, and differences in digestive physiology. However, there is no empirical evidence supporting the theory that equids fare better on low-quality forage than ruminants. It is proposed that equids and ruminants evolved high chewing efficacy to facilitate high feed and energy intakes, but equids may be more susceptible to feed shortages due to their less effective digestive system.
JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ethan S. Duvall, Brian M. Griffiths, Marcus Clauss, Andrew J. Abraham
Summary: Sodium (Na) is crucial in terrestrial ecosystems, affecting animal behavior, space-use, and co-existence. Larger herbivores are more likely to seek supplementary Na resources, such as mineral licks. Allometric scaling of Na requirements and body mass plays a role in mineral lick use, indicating that larger species may be more susceptible to Na limitation.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Annette Liesegang, Bettina Burger, Therese de Vries de Heekelingen, Corinne Schroeter-Vogt, Jean-Michel Hatt, Mariusz P. Kowalewski, Marcus Clauss
Summary: Hindgut fermenting herbivores, such as tortoises and certain mammals, absorb more calcium from their diet than they need and excrete the excess calcium through urine. The exact reasons for this mechanism are still unclear, but it may be related to ensuring phosphorus availability for gut microbes by removing calcium. Ussing chamber experiments on rabbits showed that active calcium absorption increased with higher dietary calcium levels, contradicting the assumption that passive uptake would be more prevalent at higher levels. This finding supports the hypothesis of deliberate removal of calcium. However, the distribution of proteins involved in active calcium absorption suggests that other factors not investigated in this study play a major role in rabbits' calcium absorption.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANIMAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Biology
Marcus Clauss, Julia Fritz, Jurgen Hummel
Summary: Both teeth and the digestive tract have adaptations related to trophic guilds, with size reduction of plant particles and utilization of microbes as key features. The utilization of microbes as prey by most "herbivorous" (and possibly "omnivorous") mammals is less emphasized and not reflected in trophic labels. Microbes can be harvested through coprophagy or a washing mechanism from the forestomach. The connection between teeth and guts is achieved in an innovative way through sorting and cleaning of not-yet-sufficiently-size-reduced food followed by rumination.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Annika Avedik, Marcus Clauss
Summary: The chewing and dentition of common hippos and pygmy hippos were investigated to understand their chewing mechanisms and dental morphology. The study found that hippos have a mainly up-and-down chewing motion, with slight differences between the two species. The presence or absence of lateral jaw movement affects their tooth wear patterns. This study also suggests that hippos evolved orthal (up-and-down) chewing secondarily, which explains several other characteristics of hippos such as their low degree of hypsodonty and the evolution of their dental enamel folding pattern.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Cellina L. M. Kleinlugtenbelt, Marcus Clauss, Anita Burkevica, Annelies De Cuyper
Summary: Many large carnivores in zoos are traditionally exposed to fasting days, although it is not their natural behavior. In this study, feeding routines in 44 European zoos were recorded, and it was found that fasting days were not preceded by gorge-feeding as suggested by husbandry guidelines. The observation of providing special enrichment on fasting days might be due to the impression that animals are not at ease when fasting, without a feeling of satiety from gut distension. These current feeding regimes should be re-assessed and future studies should investigate the combination of fasting days with preceding gorge-feeding.
JOURNAL OF ZOO AND AQUARIUM RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Line Enemark, Marcus Clauss, Linn Lagerstrom, Anita Burkevica, Jenny Gustafsson, Julia Johnsson, Peter Lundgren, Helle Lottrup Halkjaer Rhode
Summary: This study investigates how two different feed types (lean beef and whole rabbits) affect the behaviour of zoo jaguars. The results show that feeding behaviour occurred significantly more frequently when whole rabbits were fed, particularly during the first hour after feed presentation. However, the increase in feeding time represents less than 1% of the overall 24-hour budget.
JOURNAL OF ZOO AND AQUARIUM RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Louise Francoise Martin, Daryl Codron, Daniela Eileen Winkler, Thomas Tuetken, Jean-Michel Hatt, Marcus Clauss
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different diet types on tooth wear and compensatory hypselodont tooth growth in guinea pigs. The results showed that guinea pigs fed with bamboo had the lowest tooth height with deep dentine basins, similar to those fed with pelleted diets. Deeper dentine basins were generally correlated with higher occlusal surfaces, suggesting that changes in pressure signals due to lower basins could initiate compensatory growth in hypselodont teeth.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2023)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Katharina Radeke-Auer, Marcus Clauss, Julia Stagegaard, Linda G. R. Bruins-Van Sonsbeek, Javier Lopez
Summary: The husbandry of black rhinoceros is challenging due to peculiar diseases. An evaluation of necropsy reports revealed that iron overload disorder (IOD) was almost ubiquitous, while skin disease, excessive tooth wear, and gastric ulceration were particularly prevalent. Further investigation of IOD and other diseases, as well as measures to reduce stress, is recommended. Proactive approaches in providing dicot-based forages are necessary for species-adequate nutrition.
JOURNAL OF ZOO AND AQUARIUM RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Zoology
J. Bosch, A. McGrosky, A. Tuuga, J. Tangah, M. Clauss, I. Matsuda
Summary: Studies on diurnal primates have found that nocturnal periods are not just for sleeping but also for digestive activity. A study on proboscis monkeys in Malaysian Borneo revealed that they frequently awake at night, but their rumination-like behavior does not occur more frequently than during the day. Further research is needed to determine whether the frequent waking up at night is an adaptive strategy for predation avoidance or a result of disturbances.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2023)