Question

QUESTION 9 The dramatic differences in mammal carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures from central Saskatchewan suggest that: the mammals have similar diets the mammals have different C:N ratios the mammals have different diets the mammals have similar C:N ratios the mammals have different sizes QUESTION 10

Answer 1

The mammals have different diets.

Explanation:
The different ratios of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in the bones of different animals can provide critical insights regarding their dietary habits and preferences. The C: N stable isotope ratio shows distinct variations among herbivores, carnivores and omnivores.
A higher Nitrogen content indicates a higher consumption of animal proteins and therefore possibly a higher position in the food chain. Therefore, the mammals must have different diets, some being more animal protein-rich that the others.

(Since the C: N ratios have only been compared in mammals from central Saskatchewan the variations arising due to differences in species or habitat can be negated in this instance.)