On diving and diet: resource partitioning in type-Maastrichtian mosasaurs

  • A.S. Schulp Natuurhistorisch Museum Maastricht, De Bosquetplein 6–7, 6211 KJ Maastricht, the Netherlands; and Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • H.B. Vonhof Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • J.H.J.L. van der Lubbe Marine Climate Research, Institute of Geosciences, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Ludewig-Meyn-Straße 10, 24118 Kiel, Germany
  • R. Janssen Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • R.R. van Baal Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S001677460000010X
Keywords: Mosasauridae, Reptilia, carbon isotopes, Late Cretaceous

Abstract

The carbon isotope composition of tooth enamel from all five mosasaur taxa known to date from the type Maastrichtian (southeast Netherlands, northeast Belgium) has been analysed. Differences in enamel δ13C values between taxa suggest resource partitioning. Body size and δ13C value correlate surprisingly well, with larger taxa having δ13C values more depleted in the heavier 13C isotope.

Published
2014-03-25
How to Cite
Schulp A., Vonhof H., van der Lubbe J., Janssen R., & van Baal R. (2014). On diving and diet: resource partitioning in type-Maastrichtian mosasaurs. Netherlands Journal of Geosciences, 165-170. https://doi.org/10.1017/S001677460000010X
Issue
Volume 92 - 2013
Section
Original Articles

Authors contributing to Netherlands Journal of Geosciences retain copyright of their work, with first publication rights granted to the Netherlands
Journal of Geosciences Foundation. Read the journal's full Copyright- and Licensing Policy.