Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Geosciences
Date of Award
12-2023
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Blaine Schubert
Committee Members
Josh Samuels, Andrew Joyner, Chris Widga
Abstract
Big Bone Lick (BBL) is a late Pleistocene and Holocene fossil locality in the Ohio River valley of Kentucky. This study utilized stable isotopes (δ13C, δ18O, and 87Sr/86Sr) in tooth enamel to reconstruct mobility and diet in Bison, as well as diet in Bootherium bombifrons. Isotopic results from seven Bison and two B. bombifrons are reported. Results suggest Pleistocene Bison and Bootherium occupied different dietary niches. Although both had C3-dominated diets, Bison occupied more open environments than B. bombifrons. Two bison from the late Holocene deposit had diets that consisted of more C3 vegetation than Pleistocene bison, which may indicate these individuals occupied a closed C3 landscape. However, one specimen previously identified as late Holocene had diet and mobility patterns consistent with Pleistocene bison, which could indicate temporal mixing. Pleistocene and Holocene Bison have 87Sr/86Sr values that suggest they spent most of their time in places other than BBL.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Stephenson, Frances, "Isotopic Ecology of Bison and Bootherium at Big Bone Lick, Kentucky" (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4273. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4273
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.