Enamel Bioapatite Research Articles

Diets, stress, and disease in the Etruscan society: Isotope analysis and infantile skeletal palaeopathology from Pontecagnano (Campania, southern Italy, 730-580 BCE).

Susceptibility to morbidity and mortality is increased in early life, yet proactive measures, such as breastfeeding and weaning practices, can be taken through specific investments from parents and wider society. The extent to which such biosocialcultural investment was achieved within 1st millennium BCE Etruscan society, of whom little written sources are available, is unkown. This research investigates life histories in non-adults and adults from Pontecagnano (southern Italy, 730-580 BCE) in order to track cross-sectional and longitudinal breastfeeding and weaning patterns and to characterize the diet more broadly. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of incrementally-sampled deciduous and permanent dentine (n = 15), bulk bone collagen (n = 38), and tooth enamel bioapatite (n = 21) reveal the diet was largely based on C3 staple crops with marginal contributions of animal protein. Millet was found to play a role for maternal diet and trajectories of breastfeeding and feeding for some infants and children at the site. The combination of multiple isotope systems and tissues demonstrates exclusive breastfeeding was pursued until 0.6 years, followed by progressive introduction of proteanocius supplementary foods during weaning that lasted between approximately 0.7 and 2.6 years. The combination of biochemical data with macroscopic skeletal lesions of infantile metabolic diseases and physiological stress markers showed high δ15Ndentine in the months prior to death consistent with the isotopic pattern of opposing covariance.

Life-history of Palaeoloxodon antiquus reveals Middle Pleistocene glacial refugium in the Megalopolis basin, Greece

The Balkans are considered a major glacial refugium where flora and fauna survived glacial periods and repopulated the rest of Europe during interglacials. While it is also thought to have harboured Pleistocene human populations, evidence linking human activity, paleoenvironmental indicators and a secure temporal placement to glacial periods is scant. Here, we present the first intra-tooth multi-isotope analysis for the European straight-tusked elephant Palaeoloxodon antiquus, on an adult male individual excavated in association with lithic artefacts at the MIS 12 site Marathousa 1 (Megalopolis basin, Greece). The studied find also exhibits anthropogenic modifications, providing direct evidence of hominin presence. We employed strontium, carbon and oxygen isotope analysis on enamel bioapatite to investigate its foraging and mobility behaviour, using a sequential sampling strategy along the tooth growth axis of the third upper molar, to assess ecological changes during the last decade of life. We found a geographically restricted range, in a C3-dominated open woodland environment, and relatively stable conditions over the examined timeframe. Our results show that, despite the severity of the MIS 12 glacial, the Megalopolis basin sustained a mesic habitat, sufficient plant cover and limited seasonal fluctuations in resource availability, pointing to its role as a glacial refugium for both fauna and hominins.

Acquisition and evaluation procedure to improve the accuracy of SAED.

The achievement of this work is that fine tuning of experimental and evaluation parameters can improve the absolute accuracy and reproducibility of selected area electron diffraction (SAED) to 0.1% without using internal standard. Due to the proposed procedure it was possible to reach a reproducibility better than 0.03% for camera length between sessions by careful control of specimen height and illumination conditions by monitoring lens currents. We applied a calibration specimen composed of nanocrystalline grains free of texture and providing narrow diffraction rings. Refinements of the centre of the diffraction pattern and corrections for elliptic ring distortions allowed for determining the ring diameters with an accuracy of 0.1%. We analyze the effect of different error sources and reason the achieved absolute accuracy of the measurement. Application of the proposed evaluation procedure is inevitable in case of multicomponent nanocomposites or textured materials and/or having close diffraction rings where application of automated procedures is limited. The achieved accuracy of 0.1% without internal standard is approaching that of routine laboratory XRD, and reduction of instrumental broadening due to the elaborated evaluation procedure allows for separation of close reflections, provides more reliable ring width and thus improved input parameters for further nanostructure analysis as demonstrated on dental enamel bioapatite.

Flexible agropastoral strategies during the 1st millennium CE in southern Peru: Examining yunga Arequipa camelid husbandry practices during Wari expansion through stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) in the Majes and Sihuas Valleys

Imperial expansion can have substantial impacts on the daily and long-term activities of colonized regions. However, statecraft can vary depending on local resilience and the decisions made by agropastoralists and other economic collectives. We explore how Wari expansion affected, and was affected by, pastoralists’ activities by examining the isotopic variation of camelid bone, teeth, and hair (or fibres) at three mid-valley (yunga) (500–2300 masl) sites in the Majes and Sihuas valleys of southern Peru. We report stable δ13C and δ15N isotopic compositions (n = 34) of keratin from previously published serial samples of camelid (Lama sp./Vicugna sp.) fibre from the site of Beringa in the Majes Valley, δ13C and δ15N values of bone collagen (n = 6) and δ13C values from tooth enamel bioapatite (n = 65) from Uraca in the Majes Valley, and δ13C and δ15N values of bone collagen (n = 30) from Quilcapampa in the Sihuas Valley. We compare diets between sites and between development phases of individual animals. Extensive networks of inter-valley trails connected neighboring yunga communities and camelid caravans enabled the exchange of goods and ideas. Stable isotope analysis of camelids from these three sites suggests that yunga communities in the Majes and Sihuas valleys were engaged in both highland and coastal camelid-caravan networks prior to Wari expansion that permitted local communities to maintain foddering flexibility. Herders maintained these networks into the Wari era, while also taking advantage of new trading opportunities as they became available.

TOOTHFIR: Presenting a dataset and a preliminary meta-analysis of Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy indices from archaeological and palaeontological tooth enamel

The assessment of the preservation status of archaeological and palaeontological tooth enamel is of vital importance in the interpretation of isotopic and elemental analyses that underpin chronological, dietary, and mobility studies. Transmission and ATR Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) have provided an important means of studying the presence and crystallographic context of key structural groups in tooth enamel. However, differences in sample preparation and measurement methods prevent the setting of absolute references to assess tooth enamel preservation. Here, we present TOOTHFIR, a dataset of FTIR indices developed to study the crystal-chemical properties of enamel bioapatite, from Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene, Holocene, and modern samples. Using collected data, we conducted a preliminary statistical meta-analysis to assess inter-lab measurement variability (relying on modern samples) and the extent to which the mixed data remains useful in revealing diagenetic patterns. Our results confirmed significant variations with measurement methodology although it remained possible to observe broad relationships between the values for FTIR indices and environmental parameters. In this respect, we introduced the use of principal component analysis to summarize FTIR data. To improve data comparability and interpretation of preservation status, we suggest several measures.

A chimpanzee enamel-diet δ13C enrichment factor and a refined enamel sampling strategy: Implications for dietary reconstructions

Reconstructing diets from stable carbon isotopic signals in enamel bioapatite requires the application of a δ13C enamel-diet enrichment factor, or the isotopic offset between diet and enamel, which has not been empirically determined for any primate. In this study, an enamel-diet enrichment factor (ε∗enamel-diet) of 11.8 ± 0.3‰ is calculated for chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) at Ngogo in Kibale National Park, Uganda, based on a comprehensive isotopic assessment of previously analyzed dietary plant data and new isotopic analyses of enamel apatite. Different enamel sampling methods are evaluated to determine the potential influence of weaning on isotopic enamel values and dietary interpretations. The new chimpanzee enrichment factor and a sampling strategy that excludes teeth that formed before weaning completion are applied to all known chimpanzee δ13Cenamel data, either previously published or newly derived in this study, resulting in a dietary range of almost 6‰ across all chimpanzees sampled. This new chimpanzee enamel-diet enrichment factor is then used to reassess dietary reconstructions of 12 fossil hominin species whose isotopic enamel signatures have been determined. Results reveal hominin diets that are isotopically more positive than previously reconstructed, highlighting the widespread contribution of 13C-enriched C4/crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) resources in fossil hominin diets and emphasizing the broad use of these resources during human evolution. These findings stress the importance of ascertaining and employing an appropriate enrichment factor for dietary reconstructions of specific taxa as well as standardizing the sampling protocol for tooth enamel in isotopic paleodietary reconstructions.

Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Analysis of Modern Cattle (Bos indicus) Molars from the Central Narmada Valley, India

The carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of tooth enamel is connected to the diet and environment in which it develops. Enamel is invariably preserved for a long time and hence provides the best material for chemical analysis. Teeth are known to reflect a record of dietary and environmental changes taking place during their growth. This paper presents the results of intra-tooth oxygen and carbon isotope values (δ¹⁸O,δ¹³C) of first, second and third molars obtained from five modern cattle collected from two locations: Dhansi and Hathnora from the Central Narmada Valley, India. The specimens chosen for this study are individuals presumed to have died naturally and/or disposed of by local farmers. The isotopic analysis of tooth enamel is broadly indicative of a C₃ diet with values of δ¹³C (enamel bioapatite) ranging from –6.4‰ VPDB to –27.31‰ VPDB with an average of –16.68‰ VPDB. The δ¹⁸O values measured in the enamel samples range between of 1.76‰ to 25.15‰ with a mean value of 22.17‰ VSMOW. These present day dental enamel values of modern cattle were compared against the published enamel isotope values of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bos namadicus</span>, that occupied this region during the Pleistocene era, in order to understand the possible shift in diet and environment and their inter-relationship between the modern and the Pleistocene Era. The fossil sample produced enriched values of carbon isotopes compared to the modern taxa, indicating a C₄ rich diet, while the diet of the modern cattle is extensively dominated by C₃ type vegetation. We also observed an enriched oxygen isotope values for the fossil sample compared to the modern samples, indicating a possible effect of diagenesis and/or a shift in the temperature and rainfall.

Correlation between \u03b418Ow and \u03b418\u039fen for estimating human mobility and paleomobility patterns

In this study a methodology for identifying the geographic origin of unidentified persons, their residence and moving patterns while providing information on lifestyle, diet and socio-economic status by combining stable isotopic data, with the biological information (isotopic composition of the skeleton), is presented. This is accomplished by comparing the oxygen isotopic composition of the spring water that individuals were drinking, during their living period, with the oxygen isotopic composition of their tooth enamel bioapatite. Spring water and teeth samples were collected from individuals from three different areas of Greece: North Greece, Central Greece and South Greece and isotopic analysis of δ13C and δ18O of tooth enamel bioapatite and δ18O of spring water were conducted. For these three areas the isotopic methodology is a promising tool for discriminating the provenance. Furthermore, as a case study, this methodology is applied to two archeological sites of Greece (Medieval-Thebes and Roman-Edessa) in order to determine paleomobility patterns.

Stable isotopic reconstruction of dietary changes across Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages in Tuscany

The transition from Late Antiquity to the Medieval period is considered one of the greatest periods of social, political, and economic upheaval in Europe, and has left its mark on the historical consciousness of people in this part of the world. Nevertheless, there remains considerable debate as to the degree to which the diets and economic status of different sections of society were impacted by this transition, with these so-called ‘Dark Ages’ often being uniformly considered as static and impoverished, particularly for populations along the Mediterranean rim. Such questions are especially important in central Italy, with its position at the former core of the Roman Empire leaving it most vulnerable to the major social and political shifts of the first millennium AD. However, direct insights into the diets of individuals in this region, across this key period, have been scarce, particularly in diachronic perspective. Here, we apply stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) analysis to bone collagen (n = 76), and stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope analysis to tooth enamel (n = 34), to human, and associated faunal, individuals dated to Late Antiquity (3rd–5th centuries AD) and the Medieval period (mid 6th–mid 13th centuries AD) in Tuscany. δ13C measurements of both tooth enamel bioapatite and bone collagen suggest that a predominantly C3 diet during Late Antiquity was gradually supplemented by increased C4 consumption during the Medieval period. We interpret this as a shift from an agricultural focus on wheat following the Roman agrarian tradition towards the inclusion of millet as a reliable fallback food. We argue that this was part of a growing local and regional resilience amongst communities in the Medieval period, with more diverse agricultural systems and cultural preferences following a transition from the Roman classical civilization toward a Germanic tradition whose economy was based on the diverse cultivation of “minor crops” and close integration of pastoral husbandry livestock.

Economic Diversification Supported the Growth of Mongolia\u2019s Nomadic Empires

Populations in Mongolia from the late second millennium B.C.E. through the Mongol Empire are traditionally assumed, by archaeologists and historians, to have maintained a highly specialized horse-facilitated form of mobile pastoralism. Until recently, a dearth of direct evidence for prehistoric human diet and subsistence economies in Mongolia has rendered systematic testing of this view impossible. Here, we present stable carbon and nitrogen isotope measurements of human bone collagen, and stable carbon isotope analysis of human enamel bioapatite, from 137 well-dated ancient Mongolian individuals spanning the period c. 4400 B.C.E. to 1300 C.E. Our results demonstrate an increase in consumption of C4 plants beginning at c. 800 B.C.E., almost certainly indicative of millet consumption, an interpretation supported by archaeological evidence. The escalating scale of millet consumption on the eastern Eurasian steppe over time, and an expansion of isotopic niche widths, indicate that historic Mongolian empires were supported by a diversification of economic strategies rather than uniform, specialized pastoralism.

Home range of the Columbian mammoths (Mammuthus columbi) and grazing herbivores from the Waco Mammoth National Monument, (Texas, USA) based on strontium isotope ratios from tooth enamel bioapatite

Waco Mammoth National Monument (WMNM) is a central Texas, Late Pleistocene fossil site dating to ~67 ka. At least 23 Columbian mammoths (Mammuthus columbi), along with the remains of 12 other vertebrate genera have been discovered at this locality. Mammoth teeth were micro-sampled at a high resolution with a computerized micromill, whereas bison and horse teeth were serially sampled with a handheld rotary tool. Serial samples from these individuals offer insights into the movement patterns (87Sr/86Sr) of WMNM herbivores. Regional vegetation and local sediments were also collected to construct an 87Sr/86Sr isoscape to track past movement of mammals, derived from Sr analyses of teeth enamel. 87Sr/86Sr in WMNM herbivores often reflects multiple grazing provenances, and sources. A series of mixing models are proposed to understand the contribution of different surface Sr sources to herbivore diets. These data indicate one mammoth spent some time at the Llano uplift area ~180 km to the SSW during the formation of molar enamel. The remaining individuals (three mammoths, a bison and a horse) lived in an area more proximal to the WMNM, ≤70 km SE of the site. 87Sr/86Sr from WMNM mammoths indicate individual fidelity to at least two geographic ranges, with at least one mammoth, potentially unrelated to the possible matriarchal herd, indicating complex population dynamics prior to mass mortality. This analysis shows that at least 25 mammals, including the horse and bison, congregated at the confluence of Brazos and Bosque rivers at ~67 ka ago, prior to their demise. A resource shortage related to drought is consistent with this pattern.

Assessing hunting strategies and ancient mule deer migrations with stable isotope analysis at site 48PA551

This study assesses mule deer hunting strategies using isotopic data from tooth enamel bioapatite at site 48PA551 in northwestern Wyoming. In this paper, data from the original excavations in the late 1960s and early 1970s is combined with the most recent excavation data from 2018 to provide a robust dataset. Specifically, carbon, oxygen and strontium isotopes are used to assess attritional versus mass harvest events at the middle Archaic site located in the foothills of the Absaroka Mountains. Harvest events have specific implications for hunting strategies and the social conditions that support either communal or individual harvest. In a broader context, the isotope data is also used to establish the ecological conditions at the time the site was occupied. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to highlight the important intersection between archaeology, ecology and wildlife biology and the influence interdisciplinary studies can have on modern wildlife management.

Addressing data comparability in the creation of combined data sets of bioapatite carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions

Before amalgamating published isotope data, comparability should be demonstrated. This paper compares carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of 30 enamel samples measured by two laboratories. The aims were to see what, if any, isotopic variation was observed, to determine the causes as needed and to correct if possible. Bioapatite was acidified at 90°C in 2006 and at 26°C in 2017, while δ values were corrected via one‐point normalization in 2006 and by two‐point normalization in 2017. One case (of the 30) produced different δ values between the analysis dates, suggesting contamination. Repeated carbon isotope ratio measurements were not meaningfully different. Repeated oxygen isotope ratio measurements were significantly different, even following correction for acid‐carbonate fractionation at different temperatures and the renormalization of 2017 δ values using one point; however, differences were not meaningful for interpretations. Results were used to calculate real interpretative differences (RIDs) for comparing enamel bioapatite as 0.6‰ for δ13C values and as 1.6‰ for δ18O values.

From texts to teeth: A multi-isotope study of sheep and goat herding practices in the Late Bronze Age (‘Mycenaean’) polity of Knossos, Crete

Linear B administrative documents of the late second millennium BC from urban Knossos, Crete, reveal that spatially extensive and centrally monitored sheep flocks and wool production played a fundamental role in Mycenaean palatial economy. Here we employ multi-isotope (δ13C, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr) analysis of sequentially sampled sheep and goat tooth enamel bioapatite to explore life histories of animals consumed at Knossos. Interpretation of isotopic results incorporates new baseline data on 87Sr/86Sr ratios of bioavailable Sr from modern Cretan plants collected in relevant zones. Results reveal a variety of herding regimes, including seasonal (‘wet/winter’ to ‘dry/summer’) vertical movement of sheep from lowland to highland locations, more restricted mobility for goats in lowland to mid-altitude territories, possible input of fodder to goat diet, and exploitation of a range of plant ecosystems. Results broadly match documentary evidence and ethnographic/ecological expectations for sheep and goat herding at varying scales and underline the role of Knossos in mobilising resources from a range of herding systems and territories.

Dietary differences in individuals buried in a multiethnic neighborhood in Teotihuacan: stable dental isotopes from Teopancazco

This study examines the diet consumed by the population at the neighborhood center of Teopancazco, Teotihuacan, in the basin of Mexico. We used stable isotope analysis of δ13C and δ15N of the dentine collagen as well as the δ13C from enamel bioapatite from teeth (M2 and M3) of 39 of excavated burials. The results show that the diet consumed by the majority of the population during childhood and adolescence had high 13C enriched values in both dietary components: δ13C enamel_bioapatite = −2.0 ‰ ± 1.5 for the whole diet and δ13C dentine_collagen = − 9.4 ‰ ± 2.1 for the protein component. According to the bi-variable and multivariable models, some individuals consumed higher amounts of C4/CAM resources than those specified in cluster #2 (70 % C4 diet; ≥50 % C4/CAM protein). An inter-tissue adjustment of 2.3 ‰ was used to relate the enamel bioapatite data to the bone bioapatite of the models. Average δ15Ndentine_collagen was 10.2 ‰ ± 2.8 with high variability especially for four individuals, three of which belong to special burials, suggesting different access to meat or marine products due to their social or migration status and/or to pathological conditions. The data suggest that maize was the staple crop of the population not only at Teopancazco but for Teotihuacan as a whole, in the form of tortillas, tamales, atole, and protein from maize-fed animals with the inclusion of other CAM, C4, and C3 resources probably from the bountiful ecosystem of the basin of Mexico or from the wide trade system that Teotihuacan had with Mesoamerica.

Taxonomy, location of origin and health status of proboscideans from Western Canada investigated using stable isotope analysis

ABSTRACTWe investigated the application of stable isotope analysis of proboscidean remains (collagen in bone/dentin/cementum and structural carbonate in enamel bioapatite) for genus‐level identification of isolated specimens, assessment of geographical origins, and testing for nutritional stress. Mammoths (Mammuthussp.) tended to have higher δ15Ncoland lower δ13Ccolthan mastodons (Mammutamericanum), but differences were not significant in every location. Determining the genus of isolated specimens may be possible for locations and time periods with good isotopic baselines, but environmental changes can confound interpretations. For example, an Alberta proboscidean with a δ15Ncolof +1.4‰ (characteristic of mastodons) ultimately proved to be a mammoth. Its surprisingly low nitrogen isotope composition is attributable to the recently deglaciated environment it inhabited. We provided a baseline for isotopic assessment of geographical origins of isolated proboscideans in Western Canada. Bioapatite δ13Cscand δ18Osccan be used to distinguish specimens from Alberta, Klondike, Old Crow, Herschel Island and further south (e.g. Arizona, Great Lakes). Finally, we found that an Alberta mammoth with morphological evidence of nutritional stress experienced a change in diet, environment or physiology before death, but its isotopic compositions did not suggest a link to hypothesized starvation (catabolism of proteins or reliance on lipids).

Human dietary assessment in the Pre-colonial Lesser Antilles: New stable isotope evidence from Lavoutte, Saint Lucia

Dietary assessment of Late Ceramic Age inhabitants (~AD 1200–1500) from Lavoutte, Saint Lucia, Lesser Antilles was undertaken on human skeletal remains using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of bone collagen (δ13Cco and δ15N), and bone and enamel bioapatite (δ13Cap and δ13Cen). The isotope data were interpreted in the context of regional food webs, intra-population dietary variation was assessed relative to individual demographic variables and the results were compared to contemporaneous populations at multiple scales. Moderately enriched δ13Cco and elevated δ15N point to substantial contributions from both non-marine and marine protein sources, including nitrogen-enriched pelagic resources. The lack of correlations between δ13Cco and δ13Cap (or δ13Cen) suggests distinct isotopic differences between protein and energy sources. The smaller range and variance of δ13Cco and δ15N values relative to δ13Cap and ∆13Cap-co indicate greater inter-individual heterogeneity in dietary energy sources relative to protein sources. Intra-population dietary variation was not, however, correlated with either age or sex, consistent with communal-based food consumption practices. From a broader perspective, the collagen isotope results are comparable with several islands in the Lesser Antilles but are distinct from others, indicating a large degree of regional variation in dietary protein sources, while the bone (and enamel) apatite results are more variable and overlap with many islands in both the Greater and Lesser Antilles indicating wider variation in average (whole) diets. The relative enrichment in δ13Cap and higher ∆13Cap-co values are strongly indicative that C4 (e.g., maize) or CAM plants were important dietary components. Overall, the isotopic evidence suggests that the Lavoutte population consumed mixed diets including substantial contributions of both C3 and C4/CAM plant resources, as well as terrestrial and marine protein sources.

Seasonal reproductive patterns of early domestic sheep at Tell Halula (PPNB, Middle Euphrates Valley): Evidence from sequential oxygen isotope analyses of tooth enamel

Sheep were adopted at Tell Halula site during Late PPNB (ca. 7500calBC). Shortly thereafter, sheep increased and became one of the main animal resources in this site. Previous studies have shown that planning of reproductive strategies of these early domesticated sheep involved selection of already-domestic rather than wild specimens to mold new herds, and that demographic management favored sexually mature females. In this study we investigate the seasonal reproductive pattern of sheep from Tell Halula site and determine if manipulation of birth seasonality played a role in the adoption and management of the species. Sequential stable isotope analyses of δ18O in tooth enamel bioapatite show that sheep were mainly born within a period of ca. 2.5months. This duration of birth period is very similar to that observed in modern mouflon populations and to some of the ethnographic record for domestic herds from the study area. Data suggest that the reproductive pattern of early domesticated sheep was still, in the area of study, under strong environmental constraints; although at the moment is not possible to elucidate whether this synchronicity was intentional.

Investigating inherent differences in isotopic composition between human bone and enamel bioapatite: implications for reconstructing residential histories

In archaeological research, human bone and enamel bioapatite isotopic compositions are commonly used to reconstruct residential and dietary histories. In doing so, enamel and bone bioapatite are implicitly treated as isotopically equivalent, but recent research has determined that carbonate–carbon and –oxygen isotopic compositions of these two tissues may be offset by several per mil. Here, we compare the isotopic compositions of co-forming bone and enamel from juvenile humans. We also assess the impact of a standard pre-treatment procedure for the removal of organic matter and exogenous carbonates on carbon- and oxygen-isotope compositions and on bioapatite crystallinity and carbonate content. Pre-treatment procedures had minimal effect on both enamel and bone carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions (±0.4–±0.9‰) and bioapatite crystallinity, and effectively removed exogenous carbonates. The offset between enamel and bone phosphate–oxygen isotopic compositions is relatively small (±0.7 ± 0.5‰). The offsets for carbonate–oxygen (+1.4 ± 1.0‰) and –carbon (+4.3 ± 1.2‰) are larger, and enamel is consistently 18O- and 13C-enriched relative to bone. Interpreted conservatively, phosphate–oxygen isotopic data from paired enamel and bone remain suitable for determining residential history, whereas the isotopic compositions of carbonate–oxygen and –carbon from enamel and bone bioapatite are inherently different and cannot be compared uncritically.

Middle Pleistocene ecology and Neanderthal subsistence: Insights from stable isotope analyses in Payre (Ardèche, southeastern France)

The Middle Palaeolithic site of Payre in southeastern France yields abundant archaeological material associated with fossil hominid remains. With its long sequence of Middle Pleistocene deposits, Payre is a key site to study the Middle Palaeolithic chronology of this region. This study is the first to investigate carbon and oxygen isotope contents of Neanderthal tooth enamel bioapatite, together with a wide range of herbivorous and carnivorous species. The aim is to contribute to the understanding of hunting behaviour, resource partitioning, diet and habitat use of animals and Neanderthals through a palaeoecological reconstruction.Local topography had a visible influence on carbon and oxygen stable isotope values recorded in herbivore tooth enamel. This was used to investigate possible habitats of herbivores. The different herbivorous species do not show large variations of their carbon and oxygen isotope values through time, indicating niche conservatism from OIS 8–7 to OIS 6–5, i.e., independently of palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental variations. Based on these new observations, we conclude that Neanderthals employed a stable subsistence strategy over time, using a variety of local resources, with resource partitioning visible between humans and carnivores, especially wolves.A comparison of the results of stable isotopic investigation with the results of tooth wear analyses previously conducted on the same teeth allowed us to demonstrate that grazing and browsing do not bind animals to a specific habitat in a C3 environment as reflected in the isotopic values.