Study of the trophic ecology of the chelonian Podocnemis unifilis from the lower Xingu region, using isotopic analysis of C and N
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6008/CBPC2179-6858.2020.002.0012Keywords:
Podocnemis unifilis, Stable isotopes, Diet, Trophic levelAbstract
Isotopic analysis has become a very useful tool for ecologists and researchers studying the cycle of matter. Isotopic fractionation can bring an understanding of how matter passes from one trophic level to another in an ecosystem. The C and N isotopes were used to demonstrate ecological characteristics of the species Podocnemis unifilis in the Lower Xingu region, presenting the isotopic analysis as a complementary method in ecological studies. Tissue samples were collected from 63 individuals of P. unifilis, with 34 males and 29 females in four areas. Through the isotopic analysis, we verify possible intraspecific variations (related to sex and body mass) in the trophic levels and primary sources of carbon of their diets. No significant differences or absorption patterns of C and N were presented in relation to body size and sex. However, differences in isotopic value were found between areas with different physiognomies.
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