Adelaide Research & Scholarship
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https://hdl.handle.net/2440/123527
| Type: | Thesis |
| Title: | The isotopic composition of kangaroo teeth as a tracer of migration and a forensic tool |
| Author: | Pavlovitch, S. C. |
| Issue Date: | 2009 |
| School/Discipline: | School of Physical Sciences |
| Abstract: | Isotopic analysis of dental and bone tissues can be used to reveal movement and diet in animals. However, the suitability of these methods for tracing migration in an Australian animal has not yet been demonstrated. In this pilot study Sr, C and O isotope profiles were created from 31 individuals selected from four species of kangaroos in South Australia (Macropus rufus, M. fuliginosus, M. giganteous and M. robustus). Primarily, enamel from fourth molars and bone apatite were sampled to document isotopic changes in individuals between the formation of the tissues in the tooth and bone. Variations in the strontium (87Sr/86Sr), carbon (13C) and oxygen (18O) isotopes were used to assess movement of kangaroos across local geological and environmental conditions. Five individuals displayed a marked difference between enamel and bone apatite isotopic composition, indicating movement between distinct geological and environmental regions. The implications of this study to migration reconstruction in the past are discussed |
| Dissertation Note: | Thesis (B.Sc.(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Physical Sciences, 2009 |
| Where: | South Australia |
| Keywords: | Honours; Geology; isotopes; bones; teeth; kangaroo species; migration; geological environments |
| Description: | This item is only available electronically. |
| Provenance: | This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the author of this thesis and do not wish it to be made publicly available, or you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals |
| Appears in Collections: | School of Physical Sciences |
Files in This Item:
| File | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PavlovitchSC2009_Hons.pdf | 1.37 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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