A background investigation into the feasibility of heavy stable isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) as source tracers of early hominids
Master Thesis
1995
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Heavy stable strontium isotope ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) may be used to characterize the habitat choices of early hominids. The basis for this approach is that different geological substrata may have a characteristic range of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in the available soil strontium pool. This range may be represented in the plants growing on these various geologies and thus into the bones of animals feeding in these areas. Through an examination of strontium isotope ratios for isotope and soils from 10 different geologies in the Sterkfontein Valley and immediate vicinity, it was possible to obtain some tentative indication of the possible range in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios in an area most likely to cover favoured foraging habitats of early hominids, such as Australopithecus robustus. On the basis of isotopic data from extensive dolomite sampling, it is clear that there is a wide range of variation in strontium isotope ratios for dolomite substrata around Swartkrans. This may be as a result of topography, water action and atmospheric pollution. However, in spite of such variation, it is possible to distinguish isotopically different habitats, such as riparian from slopes. Such variation will complicate the interpretation of early hominid home ranges, but does provide alternative avenues for behavioural interpretations and also emphasises the necessity for the collection of background isotopic data.
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Bibliography: pages 85-96.
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Hall, G. 1995. A background investigation into the feasibility of heavy stable isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) as source tracers of early hominids. University of Cape Town.