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Age determination based on amino acid racemization: A new possibility
J Csapó1, Z Csapó-Kiss, S Némethy
1PANNON Agricultural University Faculty of Animal Science Kaposvár, H-7401, Dénesmajor 2, Hungary.
Amino Acids
|November 5, 2013
Summary
This study introduces a new method for dating fossil bones using amino acid racemization (AAR). By analyzing D- and L-amino acid ratios and creating calibration curves, researchers can accurately estimate fossil ages.
Area of Science:
- Paleochronology
- Geochemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Amino acid racemization (AAR) is a dating method for fossil samples.
- Factors like temperature, pH, and soil composition can affect AAR.
- Radiocarbon dating is a complementary method for age validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel method for determining fossil bone age using AAR.
- To establish calibration curves for accurate age estimation.
- To account for environmental variables influencing racemization.
Main Methods:
- Collected and analyzed approximately 100 fossil bone samples of known age from Hungary.
- Quantified D- and L-amino acid content in each sample.
- Developed calibration curves by plotting D/L ratios against time, validated with radiocarbon dating.
Main Results:
- Established reliable calibration curves based on D/L amino acid ratios.
- Successfully correlated estimated ages with radiocarbon dating results.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of using AAR for fossil age determination.
Conclusions:
- The developed AAR method provides a robust approach for dating fossil bones.
- Calibration curves effectively account for environmental factors affecting racemization.
- This technique offers a valuable tool for paleochronology and archaeological research.
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