Validation of stable isotope analysis for determining dietary proportions and trophic dynamics in plains sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus jamesi)
Date
2020
Authors
Meyhoff, Sejer Dixon
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Department of Geography and Environment
Abstract
Stable isotopes in the tissue of a consumer organism can be used to estimate the proportional
utilization of foods based on different isotopic signals and can also be used to estimate changes to diet
over time. In this study, stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) were used to examine the
feeding relationships of plains sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus jamesi). Sharp-tailed
grouse are known to consume mostly plant food and utilize insects and spiders as a high-protein food
source when available. Food web dynamics are generally poorly understood, and emerging factors such
as climate change are likely to alter bird-arthropod trophic relationships. Primary feathers from 40
plains sharp-tailed grouse were analyzed and used to estimate diet proportions of vegetation and
arthropods from May to October. Results indicated that plains sharp-tailed grouse may primarily utilize
nutrients obtained from insect prey, mainly grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae), for primary feather
synthesis.
Description
Keywords
Sharp-tailed grouse , Food webs , Stable isotopes , Arthropods , Esophageal crop analysis , Ecology , Sharp-tailed grouse -- Research , Sharp-tailed grouse -- Nutrition -- Research , Sharp-tailed grouse -- Food -- Research , Food chains (Ecology) -- Research , Stable isotopes in ecological research , Feathers -- Analysis , Dissertations, Academic