carbon isotope ratio

Carbon isotope ratio refers to the proportion of different forms (isotopes) of carbon—mainly carbon-12 and carbon-13—found in a substance. These isotopes behave slightly differently during processes like photosynthesis or fossil fuel formation, resulting in characteristic ratios. By measuring these ratios, scientists can determine the origin or age of organic materials, track natural processes, and study environmental changes. It serves as a valuable tool in fields like ecology, geology, and climate science, providing insights into biological activity and the history of carbon in the environment.