CONTENT OF ¹³С AND ¹⁵N ISOTOPS IN BONE COLLAGEN OF GEOGRAPHICAL, AGE AND SEX GROUPS OF THE URAL CAVE BEAR (MAMMALIA, CARNIVORA, URSIDAE, URSUS (SPELAEARCTOS) KANIVETZ VERESTCHAGIN, 1973)

Abstract

Data on the content of δ13C and δ15N isotopes in the collagen of bones of the Ural cave bear (Ursus (S.) kanivetz Verestchagin, 1973) from the Northern and Middle Urals were analyzed. The bones date from the first half of MIS 3. The bones of newborn individuals, individuals at the age of 1 year, males and females at the age of 2 years, 3 years, 4 years and older than 4 years were studied. Differences in δ13С values between age, sex, and geographical samples are not significant. With age, the value of δ15N significantly decreases, which is associated with the transition from milk nutrition to independent nutrition. The proportion of meat food in the diet of adult bears in the Middle Urals was higher than in the diet of adult bears in the Northern Urals. There are no noticeable differences in isotope signatures between males and females of different ages. The large cave bears of the Urals and Europe had a similar type of diet.