Isotopic niche = trophic niche? Not really.

Towards understanding stable isotope signatures in stressed systems

Today, the isotopic niche is one of the most popular tools in trophic ecology. Remarkably, no testing of the basic assumptions behind this approach has ever been conducted, although our current knowledge of the physiological fractionation processes implies that any alteration in growth and metabolism can affect variability of the isotopic signature in consumers. In this project we evaluate how various non-dietary factors, such as inadequate nutrition, diseases and exposure to toxic substances, alter stable isotope signatures and isotopic niche metrics.