δ13C and δ15N variations in terrestrial and marine foodwebs of Beagle Channel in the Holocene. Implications for human paleodietary reconstructions

With this local isotopic frame of reference, we re-examined δ13Ccollagen and δ15Ncollagen measurements of seven adult individuals from the Beagle Channel. Most individuals had marine diets complemented with resources more depleted in 13C and 15N than aquatic prey. While previous interpretations stated that the complementary staple was terrestrial protein, we suggest consumption of shellfish as another possibility. Finally, plants should be reconsidered as a source depleted both in 13C and 15N for mixing models, when typically underestimated in paleodiets from subpolar environments.