Carbon isotope analysis can distinguish between terrestrial and marine ecosystems as sources of foodstuffs.

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

3 sources for · 0 against

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Is it true that carbon isotope analysis can distinguish between terrestrial and marine ecosystems as sources of foodstuffs?

Yes. Carbon isotope analysis successfully distinguishes between marine and terrestrial food sources because organisms from these distinct ecosystems exhibit different stable carbon isotope ratios.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 3 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 4 Oct 2026

The analysis

The retrieved papers consistently support the premise that carbon isotope ratios (such as 13C/12C) differ between marine and terrestrial environments, enabling researchers to use stable isotope analysis of tissues like bone collagen to differentiate between these food sources in dietary and ecological reconstructions.

Evidence for · 3

Stable nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios in bone collagen as indices of prehistoric dietary dependence on marine and terrestrial resources in Southern California

1986

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Walker, P. L. & Deniro, M. J. (1986). Stable nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios in bone collagen as indices of prehistoric dietary dependence on marine and terrestrial resources in Southern California. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.1330710107

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More for · 2

Use of stable-carbon isotope analysis to estimate marine and terrestrial protein content in gull diets

1987

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Hobson, K. A. (1987). Use of stable-carbon isotope analysis to estimate marine and terrestrial protein content in gull diets. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1139/z87-187

Stable isotope analysis of trophic position and terrestrial vs. marine carbon sources for juvenile Pacific salmonids in nearshore marine habitats

2005

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ROMANUK, T. N. & LEVINGS, C. D. (2005). Stable isotope analysis of trophic position and terrestrial vs. marine carbon sources for juvenile Pacific salmonids in nearshore marine habitats. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2400.2004.00432.x

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