Using Stable Isotopes to Determine Seabird Trophic Relationships

作者：Keith A. Hobson, John F. Piatt, Jay Pitocchelli · 发表于：Journal of Animal Ecology · 年份：1994 · DOI：10.2307/5256 · 被引用次数：865 · 研究领域：Isotope Analysis in Ecology、Marine animal studies overview、Avian ecology and behavior

1. The stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ 15 N) and carbon (δ 13 C) were analysed in 22 species of marine birds from coastal waters of the northeast Pacific Ocean. Analyses confirm that stable nitrogen isotopes can predict seabird trophic positions. 2. Based on δ 15 N analyses, seabird trophic-level inferences generally agree with those of conventional dietary studies, but suggest that lower trophic-level organisms are more important to several seabirds than was recognized previously. 3. Stable-carbon isotope analysis may be a good indicator of inshore vs. offshore feeding preference