Lipid normalization and stable isotope discrimination in Pacific walrus tissues.

ABSTRACT: Analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) of animal tissues can provide important information about diet, physiology, and movements. Interpretation of δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values, however, is influenced by factors such as sample lipid content, tissue-specific isotope discrimination, and tissue turnover rates, which are typically species- and tissue-specific. In this study, we generated lipid normalization models for δ¹³C and investigated the effects of chemical lipid extractions on δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N in Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) muscle, liver, and skin. We also evaluated tissue-specific isotope discrimination in walrus muscle, liver, skin, and bone collagen. Mean δ¹³C<

SUBMITTER: Clark CT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6458160 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature