Stable isotopes and the study of insects ecology

Animal foraging ecology is an important part in the puzzle ecosystem relationships. This bachelor thesis presents review in the field of food ecology, especially insects. It focuses on the method of analysis of stable isotopes, which is one of the current and in recent decades a modern approach for studying this issue. Stable isotope analysis is compared with other frequently used methods for animal food ecology. The aim of this work is to introduce this method and its possible use in the study of insect food ecology. The first part provides the necessary theoretical background, practical application in laboratory and then it deals with the problems typically adressed by this method. Key words: stable isotopes, stable isotopes analysis, food ecology, food preferences, insect