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Nitrogen analyses of fossil bones

1965; Pergamon Press; Volume: 16; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0010-406x(65)90322-1

1879-3029

Alexander R. Doberenz, Philip Matter,

Dental Radiography and Imaging

Abstract 1. 1. Thirty-eight fossil bones of Mesozoic and Cenozoic age and two modern bone samples were analyzed for nitrogen by the standard micro-Kjeldahl method. 2. 2. Residue and supernatant nitrogen values, as well as total nitrogen, were determined for seventeen bones of modern and Pleistocene age. 3. 3. Nitrogen containing compounds are concentrated in the residues of modern and Pleistocene Rancho La Brea bones. This concentration is also evident, though less pronounced, in the other Pleistocene bones examined. 4. 4. Only Rancho La Brea bones approach modern bone in nitrogen content, all others exhibiting a large and abrupt drop in total nitrogen. No samples were devoid of nitrogen, the lowest value obtained being 0·005%. 5. 5. Comparison of data from Rancho La Brea samples with that from other Pleistocene bones demonstrates the great influence of the environment of preservation on the retention of collagen and its degradation products. 6. 6. This study indicates the range of nitrogen values to be expected in fossil bones of various ages. Except in a very general way, these values cannot be be correlated with specimen age nor with the presence of observable collagen.