ESR dating of a toxodon tooth from a Brazilian karstic cave

Appl Radiat Isot. 2000 May;52(5):1345-9. doi: 10.1016/s0969-8043(00)00093-2.

Abstract

A pre-molar of a Toxodon platensis (sp), a large mammal that inhabited the forests of Southeast Brazil during quaternary times, was dated by electron spin resonance (ESR). Enamel and dentine were separated giving, the following archeological doses (AD): (4.0+/-0.8) and (11+/-2) Gy, respectively. This difference was explained by the higher content of Uranium in dentine (25.1+/-0.3) ppm as compared to enamel (0.37+/-0.03) ppm. Taking account of the internal dose contribution to the AD, the age obtained is (6.7+/-1.3) ky BP for dentine and (5.0+/-1.6) ky BP for enamel.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Fossils*
  • Mammals*
  • Radiometry / methods*
  • Tooth / radiation effects*