Isotopic enrichment in Rhizoprionodon porosus (Poey, 1861) and Carcharhinus porosus (Ranzani, 1840) embryos

Isotopic values of two Caribbean sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon porosus litters (Poey, 1861) with two and three embryos and one litter of 11 smalltail shark Carcharhinus porosus embryos showed enriched ¹⁵N and ¹³C compared to their mothers. In R. porosus, embryonic isotope values were 3.06 ± 0.07‰ and 0.69 ± 0.15‰ greater than their mothers' for δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C, respectively, whereas in C. porosus, δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C were 1.79 ± 0.09‰ and 1.31 ± 0.17‰ greater in embryos than their mothers.     

Stable‐isotope comparisons between embryos and mothers of a placentatrophic shark species

Stable nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) and carbon (δ¹³C) isotopes of Atlantic sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon terraenovae embryos and mothers were analysed. Embryos were generally enriched in ¹⁵N in all studied tissue relative to their mothers' tissue, with mean differences between mother and embryo δ¹⁵N (i.e. Δδ¹⁵N) being 1·4‰ for muscle, 1·7‰ for liver and 1·1‰ for cartilage. Embryo muscle and liver were enriched in ¹³C (both Δδ¹³C means = 1·5‰) and embryo cartilage was depleted (Δδ¹³C mean = ?1·01‰) relative to corresponding maternal tissues. While differences in δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C between mothers and their embryos were significant, muscle δ¹⁵N values indicated embryos to be within the range of values expected if they occupied a similar trophic position as their respective mothers. Positive linear relationships existed between embryo total length (L_T) and Δδ¹⁵N for muscle and liver and embryo L_T and Δδ¹³C for muscle, with those associations possibly resulting from physiological differences between smaller and larger embryos or differences associated with the known embryonic nutrition shift (yolk feeding to placental feeding) that occurs during the gestation of this placentatrophic species. Together these results suggest that at birth, the δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C values of R. terraenovae are likely higher than somewhat older neonates whose postpartum feeding habits have restructured their isotope profiles to reflect their postembryonic diet.     

Stable-isotope analyses reveal the importance of seagrass beds as feeding areas for juveniles of the speckled worm eel Myrophis punctatus (Teleostei: Ophichthidae) in Florida

The feeding habits and habitats of the speckled worm eel Myrophis punctatus were studied on the mangrove edge of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL, Florida) using gut-content and stable-isotope analyses of carbon (δ(13) C) and nitrogen (δ(15) N). Four taxa were identified through analyses of gut contents, and the index of relative importance suggested that amphipods, microphytobenthos and annelids are the most important food sources in the fish's diet. To assess the feeding habits of the fish after their recruitment to the IRL, these food sources were collected from mangroves and nearby seagrass beds for isotope analyses. Stable isotopes constituted a powerful tool for discriminating fish prey items from mangroves (mean ± s.d.δ(13) C = -20·5 ± 0·6‰) and those from seagrass beds (mean ± s.d.δ(13) C = -16·9 ± 0·6‰), thus providing good evidence of food source origins. The 56 M. punctatus collected [10·0 < total length (L(T) ) < 16·2 cm] had average isotopic signatures of δ(13) C = -16·7 ± 0·2‰ and δ(15) N = 8·2 ± 0·1‰. A significant depletion in (13) C was observed for larger juveniles (15·0 < L(T) < 16·2 cm), suggesting that they found a portion of their food in mangroves. Estimation of the trophic level from stable isotopes (T(Liso)) was similar among different size groups of juvenile fish (T(Liso) = 3·2-3·5); therefore, M. punctatus was considered a secondary consumer, which is consistent with its zoobenthic diet. The concentration-dependent mixing Stable Isotope Analysis in R (SIAR) model revealed the importance of food sources from seagrass beds as carbon sources for all the fish collected, with a significant increase in mangrove prey contributions, such as annelids, in the diet of larger juveniles. This study highlights the importance of seagrass beds as feeding habitats for juveniles of M. punctatus after their recruitment to coastal waters.     

贵州喀斯特地区典型土壤有机碳垂直分布特征及其同位素组成

以贵州喀斯特地区两种主要土壤类型(石灰土和黄壤)为研究对象,通过测定土壤pH值、土壤有机碳(SOC)含量和植物优势种、枯枝落叶、土壤有机质的稳定同位素(δ13Csoc值)组成,探讨了该地区石灰土和黄壤剖面SOC垂直分布特征和δ13Csoc值组成差异。结果表明,与黄壤相比,石灰土剖面的SOC含量较高,石灰土剖面和黄壤剖面SOC含量变化范围分别在3.6～69.8和2.4～51.2g·kg-1。黄壤和黄色石灰土剖面SOC主要集中在0～20cm深度内,而黑色石灰土剖面从0～60cm逐步减少。黑色石灰土和黄壤剖面δ13Csoc值变化范围分别在-22.9‰～-21.5‰和-25.6‰～-22.4‰,前者较后者变化小。从剖面表土向下,黄壤剖面δ13Csoc值均出现逐步增加的趋势,而石灰土剖面δ13Csoc值从剖面表土向下出现上升-降低-不变的变化趋势。黄色石灰土剖面δ13Csoc值变幅较大,变化范围为-23.7‰～-18.2‰。在枯枝落叶转化为表层土壤有机质的过程中,石灰土剖面δ13Csoc值变幅高于黄壤。其中,黄壤剖面δ13Csoc值升高了2.6‰～3.0‰,石灰土剖面δ13Csoc值升高了5.5‰～6.3‰。上述结果揭示了SOC含量及其δ13C值随深度变化的差异,反映植物残体的输入及其在土壤中分解累积特征,有助于揭示SOC循环过程及规律和了解剖面土壤成土过程。     

Variations in foliar stable carbon isotopes among functional groups and along environmental gradients in China – a meta‐analysis

Variations in foliar stable carbon isotope signatures (δ¹³C) of different plant functional groups (PFGs) and their relationships with environmental factors in China were investigated in this meta‐analysis. There were some significant, but small differences in δ¹³C among PFGs categorised by life form (<1‰). Trees (?26.78‰) and shrubs (?26.89‰) had similar mean δ¹³C that were significantly higher than those of herbs (?27.49‰). Evergreen shrubs (?25.82‰) had significantly higher mean δ¹³C than deciduous shrubs (?26.92‰). Perennial herbs (?26.83‰) had significantly higher mean δ¹³C than annual herbs (?27.10‰). Grasses (?26.46‰) had significantly higher mean δ¹³C than forbs (?26.96‰). For pooled data, δ¹³C was significantly and negatively correlated with mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT), while it was significantly and positively correlated with latitude and altitude. There was a threshold value of MAP along the gradients, and δ¹³C did not change significantly with higher rainfall. The δ¹³C of PFGs changed with altitude, suggesting that increases in δ¹³C with altitude cannot be generalised. Differences in δ¹³C between PFGs were generally much <1‰ and therefore insignificant. In contrast, MAP and MAT had relatively large effects on δ¹³C (more than 4‰ between extremes). The δ¹³C of some PFGs responded to environmental gradients in the same manner, while their ‘rates’ of change were significantly different in some cases. This information could help predict potential changes in the distribution of PFGs in response to future climate change.     

Dietary analysis of the herbivorous hemiramphid Hyporhamphus regularis ardelio: an isotopic approach

The stable isotope values for a range of size classes of Hyporhamphus regularis ardelio from Moreton Bay, south‐east Australia were determined. There was a positive linear relationship between δ¹³C and standard length (L_S)(δ¹³C = 0·034 L_S ? 16·23; r² = 0·78). δ¹³C ranged from ?8·48 to ?17·29‰ with the smallest size class (50 mm L_S) being on average 1·04‰ enriched with respect to that of zooplankton (Temora turbinata) and 7·97‰ depleted compared to Zostera capricorni. δ¹³C was positively correlated with L_S(P < 0·01)(more enriched with increasing L_S) with those fish of the largest size class (225 mm L_S) being 9·86 and 0·84‰ enriched than T. turbinata and Z. capricorni, respectively. There was no detectable trend in δ¹⁵N values with L_S(P > 0·01) with δ¹⁵N, ranging from 9·18 to 11·00‰. Fish of all size classes were on average 2·32 and 7·63‰ more enriched than zooplankton and seagrass, respectively. Carbon isotope data indicate that H. r. ardelio commence life as carnivores and change to a diet in which seagrass is the primary carbon source. The dependence on animal matter, however, is always present. Due to the low percentage of nitrogen in Z. capricorni(2·5%) compared to zooplankton (9·1%) it appears that nitrogen from zooplankton is necessary throughout their life history with the carbon requirements for these fish coming chiefly from Z. capricorni.     

INVESTIGATING TROPHIC RELATIONSHIPS OF PINNIPEDS IN ALASKA AND WASHINGTON USING STABLE ISOTOPE RATIOS OF NITROGEN AND CARBON

We measured stable-nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) and stable-carbon (δ¹³C) isotope ratios in muscle and hair from 7 northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) from the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, and 27 Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), and 14 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from the Gulf of Alaska and coast of Washington State, in order to contrast dietary information derived from isotopic vs. available conventional dietary studies. Stable-nitrogen-isotope analysis of muscle revealed that harbor seals were enriched over sea lions (mean δ¹⁵N = 18.6‰vs. 17.5‰) which were in turn enriched over northern fur seals (mean δ¹⁵N = 16.6‰). Trophic segregation among these species likely results primarily from differential reliance on herring (Clupea harengus), Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius), and large vs. small walleye pollock (Theregra chalcogramma). According to their δ¹⁵N values, adult male Steller sea lions showed a higher trophic position than adult females (mean δ¹⁵N: 18.0‰vs. 17.2‰), whereas adult female northern fur seals were trophically higher than juvenile male fur seals (mean δ¹⁵N: 16.5‰vs. 15.0‰). Each of these observed differences likely resulted from differential reliance on squid or differences in the size range of pollock consumed. Three northern fur seal pups showed higher δ¹⁵N enrichment over adults (mean 17.7‰vs. 15.8‰) due to their reliance on their mother's milk. Stable-carbon isotope measurements of hair revealed a cline toward more negative values with latitude. Segregation in hair δ¹³C between Steller sea lions and harbor seals off the coast of Washington (mean δ¹³C: ?13.6‰vs.?15.0‰) reflected the greater association of harbor seals with freshwater input from the Columbia River. Our study demonstrates the utility of the stable isotope approach to augment conventional dietary analyses of pinnipeds and other marine mammals.     

Decrypting stable‐isotope (δ13C and δ15N) variability in aquatic plants

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Carbon isotopic composition of lipid biomarkers from an endoevaporitic gypsum crust microbial mat reveals cycling of mineralized organic carbon

Microbial mats that inhabit gypsum deposits in ponds at Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Mexico, developed distinct pigmented horizons that provided an opportunity to examine the fixation and flow of carbon through a trophic structure and, in conjunction with previous phylogenetic analyses, to assess the diagenetic fates of molecular δ¹³C biosignatures. The δ¹³C values of individual biomarker lipids, total carbon, and total organic carbon (TOC) were determined for each of the following horizons: tan‐orange (TO) at the surface, green (G), purple (P), and olive‐black (OB) at the bottom. δ¹³C of individual fatty acids from intact polar lipids (IPFA) in TO were similar to δ¹³C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the overlying water column, indicating limited discrimination by cyanobacteria during CO₂ fixation. δ¹³C_TOC of the underlying G was 3‰ greater than that of TO. The most δ¹³C‐depleted acetogenic lipids in the upper horizons were the cyanobacterial biomarkers C₁₇ n‐alkanes and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Bishomohopanol was 4 to 7‰ enriched, relative to alkanes and intact polar fatty acids (IPFA), respectively. Acyclic C₂₀ isoprenoids were depleted by 14‰ relative to bishomohopanol. Significantly, ?[δ¹³C_TOC ? δ¹³C_∑IPFA] increased from 6.9‰ in TO to 14.7‰ in OB. This major trend might indicate that ¹³C‐enriched residual organic matter accumulated at depth. The permanently anoxic P horizon was dominated by anoxygenic phototrophs and sulfate‐reducing bacteria. P hosted an active sulfur‐dependent microbial community. IPFA and bishomohopanol were ¹³C‐depleted relative to upper crust by 7 and 4‰, respectively, and C₂₀ isoprenoids were somewhat ¹³C‐enriched. Synthesis of alkanes in P was evidenced only by ¹³C‐depleted n‐octadecane and 8‐methylhexadecane. In OB, the marked increase of total inorganic carbon δ¹³C (δ¹³C_TIC) of >6‰ perhaps indicated terminal mineralization. This δ¹³C_TIC increase is consistent with degradation of the osmolyte glycine betaine by methylotrophic methanogens and loss of ¹³C‐depleted methane from the mat.     

Tracing estuarine organic matter sources into the southern North Sea using C and N isotopic signatures

Sources and distribution of particulate organic matter in surface waters of the Humber and Thames estuaries and in the East Anglian plume in the southern North Sea were investigated in winter 2006/2007. Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotopes provided evidence for the presence of three particulate organic matter sources; riverine plankton (δ¹³C ?30 ‰ and δ¹⁵N 7.9 ‰) identified in the Thames estuary only, marine plankton (average δ¹³C ?21.4 ‰ and δ¹⁵N 4.5 ‰) and a third source with an enriched ¹³C signature (>?16.7 ‰) and elevated C:N ratio (>12.7). Particulate organic matter with enriched ¹³C values were observed throughout the Humber estuary and at the marine end-member of the Thames estuary. While bacterial cycling of organic carbon undoubtedly takes place within these estuaries, these processes on their own are unlikely to account for the isotopic signatures seen. The ¹³C enriched organic matter source is suggested to be due to particulate organic matter input from marsh plants and seagrasses such as Spartina spp. and Zostera on the adjacent salt marshes and mudflats and/or macroalgae along the banks of the estuaries. This ¹³C enriched signal was also identified approximately 50 km offshore within the southern North Sea, in the East Anglian plume, which transports UK riverine water off-shore in a discrete plume. This plume therefore provides a mechanism to transport this estuarine derived organic matter pool offshore out of the estuaries. These results indicate that estuarine derived organic matter from marsh plants, seagrasses and/or macroalgae contributes to the southern North Sea organic matter pool and is therefore likely to contribute to winter-time shelf sea carbon and nitrogen cycles.     

Foraging segregation by sex and age class in the Guadalupe fur seal from Guadalupe Island,Mexico

A proper assessment of the foraging habits of the Guadalupe fur seal (GFS; Arctocephalus townsendi) is a priority to better understand its recovery, in which the potential for intraspecific competition for prey and space resources is expected to lead to segregation. This study aimed to determine the foraging habits of different sex and age classes. A total of 146 GFS fur samples was collected at Guadalupe Island, Mexico (2014–2020) for stable isotopes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) analysis. Isotopic areas were created (SIBER package in R). Significant isotopic differences were observed between classes. Male (3.6‰²) and female (3.0‰²) juveniles had the largest isotopic areas due to a greater foraging dispersion. Adult females showed the lowest mean δ¹⁵N value (16.1‰ ± 0.5‰) due to foraging trips that are mostly performed towards high latitudes. Except for pups, adult and subadult males presented the highest mean δ¹⁵N (17.4‰ ± 0.4‰) and δ¹³C values (−17.0‰ ± 0.8‰) due to a possible higher trophic level and coastal foraging habits, whereas pups presented the highest mean δ¹⁵N value (17.6‰ ± 0.3‰) because of lactation, which reflects their mothers δ¹⁵N signal plus their own enrichment. Our findings suggest a segregation explained by differences in life history, energy requirements, and a possible strategy to avoid competition.     

北京山区侧柏人工林内CO2浓度及其δ13C值变化特征和影响因子

本研究采用离轴积分腔输出光谱技术对北京山区侧柏人工林进行了大气CO₂浓度及其δ¹³C值的原位观测,在半小时尺度上对比了林内不同高度处大气CO₂浓度及其δ¹³C值的差异,并探究其对气象因子的响应.结果表明: 林内CO₂浓度自日出后经历先降低后升高的变化趋势,最低值出现在16:00—16:30,浓度为352.5 μmol·mol^-1,最大值出现在5:00左右,达到402.0 μmol·mol^-1,其δ¹³C值变化趋势微弱且较为复杂,呈现出近地层先降低后升高、林冠层先升高后降低的趋势;研究日期内,林内CO₂浓度随高度的升高而降低,林内0、2、5、8、12.5和18 m处的日均值为386.5、369.9、368.2、367.8、367.9和367.9 μmol·mol^-1,δ¹³C值呈现出随高度升高而升高的趋势,林内0、2、5、8、12.5和18 m处的日均值为-16.0‰、-13.7‰、-13.5‰、-13.5‰、-13.1‰和-13.3‰;逐步回归分析表明,温度和湿度是影响林内大气CO₂浓度及δ¹³C值的主要因子,饱和蒸汽压差(VPD)可以影响林内CO₂浓度变化,风速可以影响林冠层CO₂浓度变化,而土壤含水率、电导率和地面净辐射则是影响近地层CO₂浓度及δ¹³C值的环境因子.这些环境因子通过增强或减弱生态系统内光合作用和呼吸作用来影响林内CO₂浓度及其δ¹³C值的变化.     

北京山区侧柏人工林内CO2浓度及其δ13C值变化特征和影响因子

本研究采用离轴积分腔输出光谱技术对北京山区侧柏人工林进行了大气CO₂浓度及其δ¹³C值的原位观测,在半小时尺度上对比了林内不同高度处大气CO₂浓度及其δ¹³C值的差异,并探究其对气象因子的响应.结果表明: 林内CO₂浓度自日出后经历先降低后升高的变化趋势,最低值出现在16:00—16:30,浓度为352.5 μmol·mol^-1,最大值出现在5:00左右,达到402.0 μmol·mol^-1,其δ¹³C值变化趋势微弱且较为复杂,呈现出近地层先降低后升高、林冠层先升高后降低的趋势;研究日期内,林内CO₂浓度随高度的升高而降低,林内0、2、5、8、12.5和18 m处的日均值为386.5、369.9、368.2、367.8、367.9和367.9 μmol·mol^-1,δ¹³C值呈现出随高度升高而升高的趋势,林内0、2、5、8、12.5和18 m处的日均值为-16.0‰、-13.7‰、-13.5‰、-13.5‰、-13.1‰和-13.3‰;逐步回归分析表明,温度和湿度是影响林内大气CO₂浓度及δ¹³C值的主要因子,饱和蒸汽压差(VPD)可以影响林内CO₂浓度变化,风速可以影响林冠层CO₂浓度变化,而土壤含水率、电导率和地面净辐射则是影响近地层CO₂浓度及δ¹³C值的环境因子.这些环境因子通过增强或减弱生态系统内光合作用和呼吸作用来影响林内CO₂浓度及其δ¹³C值的变化.     

Mother–embryo isotope (δ15N, δ13C) fractionation and mercury (Hg) transfer in aplacental deep‐sea sharks

Stable carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotopic values and total mercury (Hg) concentrations were analysed in muscle and liver of mothers and embryos of two aplacental shark species, Squalus megalops and Centrophorus moluccensis. Embryos of the two species had similar or lower isotopic values than their respective mothers, the only exception being for δ¹³C, which was higher in the liver of C. moluccensis embryos than in their mothers. Hg concentrations were systematically lower in embryos compared with their mothers suggesting a low transfer of this element in muscle and liver.     

若尔盖草甸退化对土壤碳、氮和碳稳定同位素的影响

为了解不同退化阶段高寒草甸土壤碳、氮和碳稳定同位素的差异,对若尔盖湿地内沼泽草甸、草原化草甸、退化草甸3个阶段土壤的碳、氮和碳稳定同位素进行了分析.结果表明:若尔盖湿地草甸土壤δ¹³C 值介于-26.21‰～-24.72‰之间,土壤δ¹³C 值随土层加深而增大.土壤δ¹³C 值与有机碳含量对数值呈线性负相关.表层土壤(0～10 cm)δ¹³C值大小顺序为草原化草甸>退化草甸>沼泽草甸,β值大小顺序为草原化草甸>沼泽草甸>退化草甸.沼泽草甸、草原化草甸、退化草甸0～30 cm 土壤碳含量分别为105.32、42.11和31.12 g·kg^-1,氮含量分别为8.74、3.41和2.81 g·kg^-1,C/N分别为11.26、11.23和10.89.随着草甸的退化,土壤碳、氮呈降低趋势,退化草甸C/N值低于沼泽草甸和草原化草甸.随着土层深度加深,碳、氮含量呈现降低趋势.草甸退化导致的土壤δ¹³C 值差异主要发生在表层0～10 cm.3个退化阶段中,退化草甸土壤的β值和C/N最低,表明退化草甸土壤矿化作用较强.     

准噶尔盆地南缘荒漠区土壤碳分布及其稳定同位素变化

以亚洲中部干旱区准噶尔盆地南缘荒漠区为研究区,根据荒漠距离绿洲的距离,分别在荒漠边缘、中部和腹地设置3条样带,并采集2 m深的土壤剖面样品,研究土壤有机碳(SOC)、无机碳(SIC)含量及其稳定碳同位素的分布,探讨土壤碳变化与距绿洲距离的关系.结果表明: SOC含量随剖面土层深度增加而减少.受距绿洲距离的影响,SOC含量表现为荒漠边缘>荒漠中部>荒漠腹地.荒漠边缘SOC的δ¹³C值范围为-21.92‰～-17.41‰,且随深度增加而递减;荒漠中部和荒漠腹地的δ¹³C值范围为-25.20‰～-19.30‰,且随深度增加先增后减,由此推断准噶尔盆地南缘荒漠中部和腹地地表植被以C3植物为主,而绿洲边缘经历了从C3植物为主到C4植物为主的演替过程.荒漠边缘SIC平均含量为38.98 g·kg^-1,是荒漠腹地的6.01倍,表明0～2 m深度内大量SIC在荒漠边缘呈聚集趋势.SIC的δ¹³C值随深度增加先减后增,底层富集,主要受原生碳酸盐含量和剖面土壤CO₂的影响.     

树木年轮 δ13C 值及其对我国北方大气CO2浓度变化的指示意义

 本文采样分析了承德市油松年轮中δ13C值自工业革命以来的变化,用以揭示我国北方大气CO2浓度的变化规律。结果表明：承德市油松年轮中的δ13C值自1810年以来平均下降了0.839‰,下降范围0.682‰～1.120‰,指示了大气CO2浓度逐渐升高的特点。δ13C值与历史时期全球大气CO2浓度之间存在显著相关关系(r＝ –0.5609,P<0.01)。应用树木年轮δ13C值与大气CO2浓度之间的关系式,推测出我国北方大气CO2浓度从工业革命以前的约278.4μmol·mol-1上升到目前的340μmol·mol-1。从而为我国的全球变化研究提供了CO2浓度历史变迁方面的证据。     

鬼箭锦鸡儿叶片和土壤碳稳定同位素特征及其影响因素

为探究高海拔地区的植物碳(C)循环过程与其生境的关系,以生长在高山地区的豆科灌木鬼箭锦鸡儿为研究对象,沿着横跨我国东西部山区的样带采集35个样点的鬼箭锦鸡儿叶片和土壤样品,分析了鬼箭锦鸡儿叶片碳稳定同位素组成(δ¹³C)、土壤δ¹³C、叶片和土壤δ¹³C差值(Δδ¹³C)在不同采样点的特征及其与气候因子、叶片和土壤元素的关系。结果表明:鬼箭锦鸡儿叶片δ¹³C的变化范围为-30.9‰～-27.1‰,平均值为-28.4‰,土壤δ¹³C的变化范围为-26.2‰～-23.2‰,平均值为-25.3‰,Δδ¹³C的变化范围为2.0‰～7.7‰,平均值为3.1‰;叶片δ¹³C显著低于土壤δ¹³C,且随着叶片δ¹³C增加,土壤δ¹³C先降低后升高;叶片δ¹³C与生长季均温和叶片C含量呈显著负相关,土壤δ¹³C与相对湿度和最暖月均温呈显著负相关,与土壤碳∶氮(C∶N)呈显著正相关,随土壤C含量的增加土壤δ¹³C先降低后升高,Δδ¹³C与叶片C含量、土壤C含量和土壤C∶N呈显著正相关;气候因子对叶片δ¹³C和Δδ¹³C具有直接影响,同时也通过对叶片和土壤元素的影响,间接导致叶片δ¹³C、土壤δ¹³C和Δδ¹³C的改变。高海拔地区的气候因子、叶片和土壤元素共同影响鬼箭锦鸡儿的C循环过程。     

Using Soil 13C to Detect the Historic Presence of Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) Grasslands on Martha's Vineyard

Abstract We used differences in soil carbon δ¹³C values between forested sites and grasslands dominated by the C₄ grass Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) to detect the presence of former grasslands in the historical landscape of the coastal sand plain of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Soil δ¹³C was measured at (1) sites with long‐term forest or grassland vegetation and (2) sites with known histories where forest vegetation invaded grassland and where forest converted to grassland. The δ¹³C of soil under long‐term grassland was –24.1‰ at 0 to 2 cm depth and –23.4‰ at 2 to 10 cm and was enriched by 3.4‰ and 2.8‰ compared with soil under long‐term forest. In forests that invaded grasslands dominated by S. scoparium, soil δ¹³C decreased as C derived from trees replaced C from S. scoparium. This decline occurred faster in surface soils and in the light soil organic matter fraction than in the mineral soil. In forests that converted to grasslands, soil δ¹³C increased and the rate of increase was similar in surface and mineral soil and in the different soil organic matter fractions. Rates of change indicated that soil δ¹³C could be used to detect changes in vegetation involving the presence or absence of S. scoparium during the last 150 years. Application of this model to a potential grassland restoration site on Martha's Vineyard where the landscape history was not known indicated that the site was previously unoccupied by S. scoparium during this time. The δ¹³C of surface mineral soil can be useful for detecting the presence of historic S. scoparium grasslands but only in the period well after European settlement of these coastal sand plain landscapes.     

Stable isotope enrichment in laboratory ant colonies: effects of colony age,metamorphosis, diet,and fat storage

Ecologists use stable isotopes to infer diets and trophic levels of animals in food webs, yet some assumptions underlying these inferences have not been thoroughly tested. We used laboratory‐reared colonies of Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Solenopsidini) to test the effects of metamorphosis, diet, and lipid storage on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios. Effects of metamorphosis were examined in ant colonies maintained on a control diet of domestic crickets and sucrose solution. Effects of a diet shift were evaluated by adding a tuna supplement to select colonies. Effects of lipid content on stable isotopes were tested by treating worker ants with polar and non‐polar solvents. δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values of larvae, pupae, and workers were measured by mass spectrometry on whole‐animal preparations. We found a significant effect of colony age on δ¹³C, but not δ¹⁵N; larvae, pupae, and workers collected at 75 days were slightly depleted in ¹³C relative to collections at 15 days (Δδ¹³C = ?0.27‰). Metamorphosis had a significant effect on δ¹⁵N, but not δ¹³C; tissues of each successive developmental stage were increasingly enriched in ¹⁵N (pupae, +0.5‰; workers, +1.4‰). Availability of tuna resulted in further shifts of about +0.6‰ in isotope ratios for all developmental stages. Removing fat with organic solvents had no effect on δ¹³C, but treatment with a non‐polar solvent resulted in enriched δ¹⁵N values of +0.37‰. Identifying regular patterns of isotopic enrichment as described here should improve the utility of stable isotopes in diet studies of insects. Our study suggests that researchers using ¹⁵N enrichment to assess trophic levels of an organism at different sites need to take care not to standardize with immature insect herbivores or predators at one site and mature ones at another. Similar problems may also exist when standardizing with holometabolous insects at one site and spiders or hemimetabolous insects at another site.