Diet

The Genetic Basis of Body Shape: Lessons from Mirror Twins and High-Definition Digital Photography

by David Teplica

Trends in Caspian Tern Nesting and Diet in San Francisco Bay: Conservation Implications for Terns and Salmonids

by Keith Larson

Collis, K., D. D. Roby, K. W. Larson, L. J. Adrean, S. K. Nelson, A. F. Evans, N. Hostetter, D. Battaglia, D. E. Lyons, T. Marcella, and A. Patterson. 2012. Trends in Caspian Tern Nesting and Diet in San Francisco Bay: Conservation Implications for Terns and Salmonids. Waterbirds 35:25–34. doi: 10.1675/063.035.0103.

Colony size, nesting ecology and diet of Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) were investigated in the San Francisco Bay... more Colony size, nesting ecology and diet of Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) were investigated in the San Francisco Bay area (SFBA) during 2003-2009 to assess the potential for conservation of the tern breeding population and possible negative effects of predation on survival of juvenile salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.). Numbers of breeding Caspian Terns declined 36% from 2003 to 2009, mostly due to abandonment of the Knight Island colony and decline of the Brooks Island colony, the two largest colonies in the SFBA. Concurrently, nesting success declined 69% associated with colony site characteristics such as (a) quality and quantity of nesting substrate, (b) vulnerability to nest predators, (c) displacement by other colonial waterbirds and (d) human disturbance. Marine fishes were the predominant prey in tern diets from the SFBA; however, diet composition varied among colonies. Juvenile salmonids comprised 22.9% of the diet of terns nesting in the North Bay, 5.3% of diet of terns nesting in the Central Bay, and 0.1% in the South Bay. Construction or restoration of nesting islands in the South Bay may help maintain and restore breeding Caspian Terns without enhancing mortality of salmonid stocks of conservation concern.

Fox Sparrow foraging on a king bolete mushroom

by Keith Larson

Schiller, A. M., K. W. Larson, and K. A. Engel. 2006. Fox sparrow foraging on a king bolete mushroom. Northwestern Naturalist 87:252. doi: 10.1898/1051-1733(2006)87[252:FSFOAK]2.0.CO;2.

Stable isotope evidence for sex- and status-based variations in life-history and diet at medieval Trino Vercellese, Italy

by Laurie Reitsema

Laurie Reitsema and Giuseppe Vercellotti, authors. In press with the American Journal of Physical Anthropology

The medieval period in Europe was a time of unprecedented social complexity that affected human diet. The diets of... more The medieval period in Europe was a time of unprecedented social complexity that affected human diet. The diets of certain subgroups—for example, children, women, and the poor—are chronically underrepresented in historical sources from the medieval period. To better understand diet and the distribution of foods during the medieval period, we investigated stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of 30 individuals from Trino Vercellese, Northern Italy (8th– 13th c.). Specifically, we examined diet differences between subgroups (males and females, and high- and low-status individuals), and diet change throughout the life course among these groups by comparing dentine and bone collagen. Our results show a diet based on terrestrial resources with input from C4 plants, which could include proso and/or foxtail millet. Diets of low-status males differ from those of females (both status groups) and of high-status males. These differences develop in adulthood. Childhood diets are similar among the subgroups, but sex- and status-based differences appear in adulthood. We discuss the possibility of cultural buffering and dietary selectivity of females and high-status individuals.

Buccal dental microwear analyses support greater specialization in consumption of hard foodstuffs for Australopithecus anamensis

by Jordi Galbany

Ferran Estebaranz, Jordi Galbany, Laura M Martínez, Daniel Turbón & Alejandro Pérez-Pérez (2012, accepted) Buccal dental microwear analyses support greater specialization in consumption of hard foodstuffs for Australopithecus anamensis. Journal of Anthropological Sciences.

Molar occlusal microwear texture and anisotropy analyses of 3 Australopithecus anamensis fossil specimens have shown... more Molar occlusal microwear texture and anisotropy analyses of 3 Australopithecus anamensis fossil specimens have shown complexity values similar to those of Au.afarensis,indicating that neither of these hominin species had a diet dominated by hard food. However, many researchers have suggested that these were some of the earliest hominins to have such diets. Here we examine buccal microwear patterns of 5 Au. anamensis, 26 Au. afarensis, 48 Hominoidea and 80 Cercopithecoidea primate specimens for independent evidence of dietary adaptations of Au. anamensis. The buccal microwear results obtained suggest that the diet of Au.anamensis relied heavily on hard, brittle food, at least seasonally. This is similar to the diet of the extant Cercopithecoidea primates, including Papio anubis and Chlorocebus aethiops, both of which live in wooded, seasonal savannah environments and have diets that include fruit and grasses, but also underground storage organs (USOs), such as corms or blades, as well as leaves and seeds, and also Mandrillus and Cercocebus, from forested environments with frugivorous-granivorous diets. Furthermore, the buccal microwear patterns of Au.anamensis and Au.afarensis clearly differed –in clear contrast to occlusal enamel texture observations–, which support previous dietary interpretations based on both anatomical and palaeocological reconstructions.

Keywords: hominin, diet, feeding ecology, buccal microwear, fallback food, Australopithecus anamensis

Influence of Diet and NSAIMs in Allergic Skin Reactions

by IJCRIMPH Journal

Gardens at home, gardens at school: Diet and food crop diversity in two Q'eqchi'communities in Southern Belize

by douglas reeser

A district-wide school garden project has been initiated in the Toledo District of Southern Belize in response to... more A district-wide school garden project has been initiated in the Toledo District of Southern Belize in response to reported high rates of poverty and undernutrition. This paper will discuss research conducted in the summer of 2007 with Q'eqchi' Maya in the Toledo District to determine the effect of school gardens on household diet and gardening, the composition of the household diet, and the makeup of homegardens. Food frequency questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted in two rural villages, one with a school garden program and one without. Various members of NGOs working on school garden projects in the district were also interviewed about the functionality and purpose of the projects. Results discussed herein include the limited effects of the school garden program, the role that both homegardens and school gardens play in household diet and nutrition, the diverse array of fruit trees utilized by the Q’eqchi, and a description and inventory of a typical Q'eqchi' homegarden in Belize.

Triantaphyllou et al: Stable isotope analysis of human bone from Middle Helladic Aspis

by Sofia Voutsaki

(2008) Triantaphyllou, S., Richards, M.P., Touchais, G., Philippa-Touchais, A. and Voutsaki, S. Stable isotope analysis of human bone from Middle Helladic Aspis. Bulletin de Correspondance Héllenique 130.2 (2006), 627-637

This paper presents the results of a carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of human bones from MH Aspis. The... more This paper presents the results of a carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of human bones from MH Aspis. The aims of the analysis are to reconstruct the diet of the inhabitants of MH Aspis and to investigate dietary variation between population subgroups defined by age/sex and or social status.
Seven samples were taken, out of which only four provided enough collagen for the analysis. The isotopic data indicate that the Aspis population had a fairly homogeneous C3 terrestrial diet, although the only man buried in the cemetery may have consumed more animal protein (meat and/or dairy products). Marine resources do not seem to have been favoured by the Aspis inhabitants. The overall isotopic signal of the dietary regime in the Aspis does not differ significantly from that observed among the inhabitants of Lerna and the group buried in Grave Circle B in Mycenae.

Ingvarsson-Sundström et al: Stable isotope analysis of the Middle Helladic population from two cemeteries at Asine: Barbouna and the East Cemetery

by Sofia Voutsaki

(2009) Ingvarsson-Sundström, A., Richards, M.P. and S. Voutsaki, Stable isotope analysis of the Middle Helladic population from two cemeteries at Asine: Barbouna and the East Cemetery. Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry 9:2, 1-14.

In this paper we report the results of the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of humans from two Middle... more In this paper we report the results of the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of humans from two Middle Bronze Age cemeteries at Asine, Greece: Barbouna (n=6) and the East Cemetery (n=13). In general, the dietary pattern of adults and juveniles shows a heavy reliance on mainly terrestrial foods; C3 plants and a varying amount of animal protein (meat, milk or dairy products). The high nitrogen values of some individuals
from the East cemetery indicate a substantial consumption of animal protein, although the carbon values show that no detectable amounts of marine foods, or C4 plants such as millet had been consumed. High nitrogen values as well as the high slaughter age of domestic animals, as found in previous studies point towards a significant utilization of milk and dairy products at Asine. A low increase of nitrogen values in subadults younger than one years of age from Barbouna compared to females at the
East cemetery indicates that these children may have been fed breast milk as well as supplementary foods. Therefore, despite the poor preservation and uneven sample size, the Asine isotopic data give us information on diet during the MH period, as well as variation between the members of the community.

KEYWORDS: Stable isotope analysis, Asine, Bronze Age, Middle Helladic, diet, weaning

Triantaphyllou et al: Isotopic dietary reconstruction of humans from Μiddle Bronze Age Lerna, Argolid, Greece

by Sofia Voutsaki

(2008) Triantaphyllou, S., Richards, M. P., Zerner, C. and Voutsaki, S., Isotopic dietary reconstruction of humans from Μiddle Bronze Age Lerna, Argolid, Greece. Journal of Archaeological Science 35: 3028-3034.

This study presents the results of a carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of thirty-nine human bone and eight... more This study presents the results of a carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of thirty-nine human bone and eight animal samples from the Middle Bronze Age (or ca. 2100-1700BC; or Middle Helladic, MH) population of Lerna, Greece. The isotopic data indicate that the humans had a C3 terrestrial diet while certain individuals appear to have significant amounts of animal protein in their diet. With regard to weaning age, the isotopic values and the estimated age of early enamel disruptions suggest that solid foods were starting to be used as a substitute for breast milk at or before the ages of 2.5 to 3 years old.

Keywords: Stable isotope analysis; Diet reconstruction; Lerna; Middle Bronze Age; Weaning age

Dietary Changes Among Breast Cancer Patients in Malaysia

by Mohd Razif Shahril

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer patients often show an interest in making dietary changes after diagnosis of breast cancer... more BACKGROUND: Breast cancer patients often show an interest in making dietary changes after diagnosis of breast cancer in order to improve their health condition and prevent cancer recurrence.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine changes in dietary intake 2 years after diagnosis among breast cancer patients.
METHODS: One hundred sixteen subjects were asked to complete a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, diet recalls, and dietary changes questionnaire to assess dietary intake before and after diagnosis. The information on sociodemographic background, cancer treatment history, and anthropometric indices was also collected.
RESULTS: Seventy-two subjects considered diet as a contributing factor to breast cancer, and 67 subjects changed their dietary habits after breast cancer diagnosis. The reasons for changes in diet were physician and dietitian advice and desire to cure cancer. The sources of information were derived from their physician, mass media, and family members. Total energy, protein, total fat, fatty acids, and vitamin E intake were significantly decreased after diagnosis. Meanwhile, the intake of β-carotene and vitamin C increased significantly after diagnosis. The changes included reduction in red meat, seafood, noodles, and poultry intake. An increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, low-fat milk, and soy products was observed. The subjects tended to lower high-fat foods intake and started to eat more fruits and vegetables.
CONCLUSION: Breast cancer patients had changed to a healthier diet after breast cancer diagnosis, although the changes made were small.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This will be helpful to dietitians in providing a better understanding of good eating habits that will maintain patients' health after breast cancer diagnosis.

Jaw shape diversity in platyrrhine 'sclerocarpic foragers' [abst]

by Zachary Klukkert

This abstract is for the poster session "functional skeletal anatomy" at the 2012 annual meetings of the AAPA

Paleodontology

by Pierre-François Puech

Pierre-François Puech, Bernard Puech, François Cianfarani

Paleodontology is defined here as the study of human teeth from prehistoric to Medieval periods. The dental injury,... more Paleodontology is defined here as the study of human teeth from prehistoric to Medieval periods. The dental injury, disease and their treatment give informations on the lifestyle. Paleodontology is of interest for historical and archaeological questions as well as anthropology.

Eres lo que comes. patrones de desgaste oclusal en poblaciones mayas prehispánicas.

by Vera Tiesler

Leptodactylus fragilis (Mexican white-lipped frog). Diet

by Paul David Alfonso Gutiérrez-Cárdenas

Gustavo González-Duran, Paul David Alfonso Gutiérrez-Cárdenas & Sergio Escobar-Lasso. 2011. Leptodactylus fragilis (Mexican white-lipped frog). Diet. Herpetological Review 42: 583-584.

Herein we provided detailed informaton on the diet of Leptodactylus fragilis from Reserva Rio Manso (5.666°N,... more Herein we provided detailed informaton on the diet of Leptodactylus fragilis from Reserva Rio Manso (5.666°N, 74.77417°W; ca 220 m elev.), municipality of Norcasia, Departament of Caldas, Colombia.

Mixed-feeding and the diversication of ruminants through the Tertiary

by Juan L. Cantalapiedra

Co-authored with FitzJohn RG, Hernández Fernández M, DeMiguel D, Azanza B, Morales J, Mooers AØ

BMC Evol Biol. (submitted)

Background. Global abiotic change and ecological flexibility are two major factors influencing rates of speciation and... more Background. Global abiotic change and ecological flexibility are two major factors influencing rates of speciation and extinction across clades. The evolution of feeding styles is though to be key in the explosive radiation of ruminants. Classic scenarios depict browsing as the ancestral state with gradual evolution towards mixed-feeding and grazer concomitant with increasing aridity and subsequent expansion of open habitats during the Neogene.  However new insights have challenged this view, suggesting mixed-feeding ancestors for several of ruminant families. Here, we explored which the most likely scenarios explaining the evolutionary transitions among diets and ask whether ruminant lineages with different feeding styles (browsing, grazing and mixed feeding) underwent differential rates of diversification and how this might have been affected by global temperature regimes. We use new multi-state speciation and extinction (MuSSE) models on the supertree of the group, an accurate synthesis of dietary categories of all 197 extant species of ruminants, and a precise record of global Tertiary climate.
Results. The best model of trait change was one positing transitions from browsers to grazers via mixed feeding, with appreciable rates of transition to and from grazing and mixed feeding. MuSSE inferred higher speciation rates in mixed-feeding and grazing lineages than in browsers. The inclusion of Tertiary global temperature data did not significantly improve the model fits. A browser ancestor was reconstructed for Giraffidae, Moschidae and Tragulidae, while a mixed feeding ancestor is inferred for Bovidae. For all ruminants and for Cervidae, both browsing and mixed feeding are possible ancestral states, though browsing is preferred for ruminants, and mixed feeding for the Cervidae.
Conclusions. Our results are consistent with dietary flexibility rather than diet itself being related to the diversification of ruminants in the Neogene, and with climate having differential repercussions on physical habitat change and diet at regional rather than at global scale.

Trophic Niche Variation and Individual Specialization in Hypsiboas pulchellus (Duméril and Bibron, 1841)(Anura, Hylidae) from Uruguay

by Raul Maneyro

Environmental and Seasonal Variation In the Diet of Elachistocleis Bicolor (Guérin-Méneville 1838)(Anura: Microhylidae) From Northern Uruguay

by Raul Maneyro

Temporal and spatial changes in the diet of Hyla pulchella (Anura, Hylidae) in southern Uruguay

by Raul Maneyro

Diet of four sympatric anuran species in a temperate environment

by Raul Maneyro