Stable Isotope Analysis (SIA)
Over the last few decades, advances in SIA have made it possible to answer a vast array of research questions. In relation to animal ecology, it has opened the door to help understand energy flow, food web dynamics, resource use, habitat selection, and prey selection, among others. Stable isotope approaches complement other techniques such a gut content reconstruction and quantitative fatty acid signature analysis, and improves our ability to interpret behavioural patterns. Since different tissues in organisms break down and metabolize macronutrients at different rates, we can sample multiple tissues in a single individual to explore temporal variation in dietary/habitat choices. We can determine prey selection patterns because nitrogen and carbon stable isotope values of prey are often incorporated into consumer tissues at conservative levels. As a result, we can use statistical models to provide quantitative estimates of prey contribution. Additionally, since carbon stable isotope values of consumers and their prey are usually similar, specific habitats (eg. pelagic vs benthic) can be deciphered. Further, non-lethal approaches can be used to ensure responsible sampling practices.
Please refer to the following documents for more information:
Over the last few decades, advances in SIA have made it possible to answer a vast array of research questions. In relation to animal ecology, it has opened the door to help understand energy flow, food web dynamics, resource use, habitat selection, and prey selection, among others. Stable isotope approaches complement other techniques such a gut content reconstruction and quantitative fatty acid signature analysis, and improves our ability to interpret behavioural patterns. Since different tissues in organisms break down and metabolize macronutrients at different rates, we can sample multiple tissues in a single individual to explore temporal variation in dietary/habitat choices. We can determine prey selection patterns because nitrogen and carbon stable isotope values of prey are often incorporated into consumer tissues at conservative levels. As a result, we can use statistical models to provide quantitative estimates of prey contribution. Additionally, since carbon stable isotope values of consumers and their prey are usually similar, specific habitats (eg. pelagic vs benthic) can be deciphered. Further, non-lethal approaches can be used to ensure responsible sampling practices.
Please refer to the following documents for more information:
