The Use of Stable Isotopes to Determine the Physiology and Ecology of Reptiles

Authors

Jessica Makin, Brigham Young University
Kent Hatch, Brigham Young University

Keywords

physiology, ecology, reptiles, stable isotope

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Stable isotope research is becoming more widely used in physiological ecology. Atoms of the same atomic number but different atomic weights are called isotopes. Nitrogen (N) has two isotopes, 14N and 15N, with the latter being the heavier isotope. The assumption is that 14N is excreted at a higher rate than 15N. It is also thought that this should cause an increase in 15N of the protein tissues and preferential excretion of 14N of an animal when the animal is in the process of breaking down proteins.

Recommended Citation

Makin, Jessica and Hatch, Kent (2013) "The Use of Stable Isotopes to Determine the Physiology and Ecology of Reptiles," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 997.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/997