Technical Note: A simple method for preparing reference slides of seed

Abstract

Microhistological analysis has become the most commonly used and successful method for determining micromammal diets. However, this technique has a number of limitations, particularly when used on fecal samples where identification of some items is difficult. This method underestimates those nearly unrecognizable plant parts in the diet, such as seed, and overestimates easily identifiable parts, such as leaf epidermis. In this note we describe a simple technique that uses a macerating solution of 17.5% NaHCO3 for preparing reference slides of seeds. Advantages of the proposed method are discussed and compared with Jeffrey's technique.