Isotopic biogeochemistry of carbon, nitrogen and oxigen in ursus spelaeus from Cueva de Guantes (Santibáñez de La Peña, Palencia, Spain)

Abstract

Isotopic analysis of carbon and oxygen in tooth enamel and of carbon and nitrogen in bone collagen of juvenile and adult cave bears (Ursus spelaeus) were carried out. The fossils, older than 50,000 BP, were found in the Gallery 1 site from Cueva de Guantes (Palencia, Spain). The results obtained suggest that the bears probably inhabited areas near this cave, which was probably used as a refuge during hibernation. This was consistent with: (1) previous taphonomic studies which interpret this stratigraphic level as a very frequented bear’s den; (2) the values of δ13C and δ18O of dental enamel, which indicate a diet with similar sources of carbon for all individuals, and little spatial displacement; (3) the values of δ13C and δ15N in bone collagen, which in the case of the carbon isotopic values indicate similar food sources, whilst the wide interval in the nitrogen isotopic values could be a consequence of the metabolic processes occurred during hibernation; and finally, (4) the calculated δ18O values of ingested water, which suggest similar sources of water for all the bears.