Isotope tracing is a technique used in scientific research to track the movement and transformation of specific isotopes within a system. By introducing isotopically labeled compounds into a system, researchers can follow the pathways and processes that the isotopes undergo, providing valuable insights into various biological, chemical, and environmental processes. Isotope tracing is commonly used in fields such as ecology, geology, environmental science, and biochemistry to study nutrient cycling, metabolic processes, pollution pathways, and more.