Nitrogen isotopes refers to different forms of nitrogen atoms that have different numbers of particles in their nucleus. These variations help scientists study the origins and movements of nitrogen in the environment. Full definition
Fisher, who studies the extinction of mastodons and mammoths, suggests some answers could lie in nitrogen isotopes in the Patagonian bones, which can record changes in an animal's diet and, thus, its environment. (sciencemag.org)
The ratio of nitrogen isotopes in their teeth and bones, which reflects a person's diet, bolsters that idea. (sciencemag.org)
The next day, the worms had crawled onto the leaves, and the team was able to detect the heavy nitrogen isotope from the worm in the plant's tissues. (sciencemag.org)