Question

What can scientists use to determine the type of plant an organism consumed?
a. carbon 13 and carbon 12
b. index fossils
c. radioisotopes
d. carbon 14?

Answer 1

Answer: Carbon 12 and Carbon 13

In plant, the ratio of carbon 12 and carbon 13 isotopes is different depending upon the plant photosynthesis. The distribution of these isotopes in plant tissue can indicate the path way of carbon metabolism that is either C3 fixation or C4 fixation. This help scientist to know if the plant consumed by organism is C3 plant or C4 plant by measuring the isotopic signature of their collagen and other tissues.

This can help scientist know which plant is consumed by animals.

Answer 2

Type of Plant an Organisam Consumed - Option A

Carbon 13 and Carbon 12 can scientists use to determine the type of plant an organism consumed. Carbon 12 and 13 are isotopes of carbon. In the plant, the ratio of carbon 12 and carbon 13 isotopes is not same it just depends upon the plant photosynthesis.

The division of these isotopes in plant tissue can show the pathway of carbon metabolism that can be C3 fixation or C4 fixation. From this, the scientist can determine which animal consumed plant is C3 plant or C4 plant by estimating the isotopes of their collagen and other tissues.