Exploring the Use of SEM–EDS Analysis to Measure the Distribution of Major, Minor, and Trace Elements in Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Teeth

Abstract

Network under a NOAA parts authorization letter pursuant to 50 CFR 216.22. issued to Jessica Dutton. NOAA Disclaimer: The scientific results and conclusions, as well as any opinions expressed herein, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the Department of Commerce. The mention of any commercial product is not meant as an endorsement by the Agency or Department.

Life history in primate teeth is revealed by changes in major and minor element concentrations measured via field-emission SEM-EDS analysis

“…However, the elemental signatures of other life-history milestones have yet to be characterized. Other research has employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to assess the changes in major and minor element concentrations over time [26,27].…”

Elemental composition of primary lamellar bone differs between parous and nulliparous rhesus macaque females

“…Similarly, Changes in zinc concentrations in teeth have been reported to reflect the onset of sexual maturity in walruses [ 23 ], whereas declining fertility has been shown to correlate with increased copper concentrations in rat teeth [ 24 ]. Other research on both primates and cetaceans, have employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to assess the changes in major and minor element concentrations over time [ 25 , 26 ]. However, the chemical signature of reproductive events in hard tissues is yet to be characterized in any mammalian species.…”