Stable isotopes are used to discover the flow of energy within an ecosystem - in other words, to build up a food web without having to spend years carefully studying the stomach contents of thousands of animals and plants.

The basic theory behind stable isotope studies depends on the ratios of various isotopes of several elements, particularly Carbon and Nitrogen. By determining the ratios of the various isotopes of these two elements to other organisms in the ecosystem, one can determine a plausible energy flow within the ecosystem, and thus establish a likely food web for that ecosystem.

This subcomponent is lead by Dr. Sven Kaehler from Rhodes University.