Figure F16. Mean D/L values of Mulinia and Mercenaria from the Cape May Zoo corehole. See Table T4, , for depth information and raw data. The similar pattern of the extent of racemization in the two genera indicates a general consistency of results. Each amino acid racemizes at its own characteristic rate, so patterns such as these are expected if samples are "reliable." If lines cross in a plot like this, then results are contradictory. VLPG = average of valine, leucine, phenylalanine, and glutamic; Ala_Asp = average of alanine and aspartic; Val

Figure F16. Mean D/L values of Mulinia and Mercenaria from the Cape May Zoo corehole. See Table T4, for depth information and raw data. The similar pattern of the extent of racemization in the two genera indicates a general consistency of results. Each amino acid racemizes at its own characteristic rate, so patterns such as these are expected if samples are "reliable." If lines cross in a plot like this, then results are contradictory. VLPG = average of valine, leucine, phenylalanine, and glutamic; Ala_Asp = average of alanine and aspartic; Val_Leu = average of valine and leucine.