Researchers Use Collagen to Identify Ancient Turtle Bones (IMAGE)

Florida Museum of Natural History

Researchers Use Collagen to Identify Ancient Turtle Bones

Caption

Organic material can quickly decay in the hot, humid conditions of the tropics. But researchers found that many ancient turtle bones still contained collagen. They used this protein to identify which sea turtle species ancient people in Florida and the Caribbean were fishing from the oceans.

Credit

Michelle LeFebvre/Florida Museum

Usage Restrictions

Please credit Michelle LeFebvre/Florida Museum

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.