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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/T/S/2002/00666

The evolution of hominid dietary adaptations linked with environmental changes: extending the record beyond 100,000 years.

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor MP Richards, University of Dundee, College of Life Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Professor M Collins, University of Cambridge, Archaeology & Anthropology
Co-Investigator:
Professor JA Walsh, University of Warwick, School of Life Sciences
Science Area:
Terrestrial
Earth
Overall Classification:
Earth
ENRIs:
Global Change
Biodiversity
Science Topics:
Science-Based Archaeology
Palaeobiology
Palaeoenvironments
Abstract:
Based on morphological and artifactual evidence it has been argued that there have been significant changes in hominid dietary adaptations through time linked to changing environments. However, these indirect methods of diet reconstruction only provide a partial picture of subsistence. Stable isotope analysis of hominid collages (e.g. Neanderthals) has provided direct measures of past diets, however, collagen does not survive >100-300 ka, so we cannot extend these measurements to earlier hominids. This project involves the extraction of non-collagenous and longer-surviving (e.g. up to 1mya) proteins (e.g. osteocalcin and enamel proteins) from faunal and hominid samples from Europe, the Near East and Africa. Isotope measurements of these proteins will enable us to explore changing hominid dietary adaptations in response to climate and environmental change.
Period of Award:
1 Jul 2003 - 31 Dec 2003
Value:
£10,444
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NER/T/S/2002/00666
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Directed Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
EFCHED

This grant award has a total value of £10,444  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - Other Costs
£10,444

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