Anthropology 2238A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Taphonomy, Succulent Plant, Lead

• School: Western University
• Department: Anthropology
• Course: Anthropology 2238A/B
• Professor: Andrea Waters

Document Summary

Part 1: stable isotope ratios to reconstruct diets. Stable isotope analysis has become the most widely-applied method of diet reconstruction in both forensic and archaeological contexts: based on premise you are what you eat . Usefulness of stable isotopes for diet reconstruction not recognized until late 1970s. Chemical analyses of a small piece of bone or tooth can reveal a great deal about your diet: aids in identification in forensic contexts and the reconstruction of life pathways for past populations. Isotope: atoms that contain the same number of protons and electrons, but differ in the number of neutrons: functionally identical, but slightly different in molecular weights, stable vs unstable (radioactive) isotopes. Most elements of biological interest have 2+ stable isotopes, with the lightest of these present in much greater abundance than the others. Isotope effect: variation in the physical and chemical treatment of an isotope because of nuclear mass differences: ex. heavier isotopes move/diffuse more slowly relative to lighter isotopes.