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Abstract: Abundant Northern Eurasian mammal data have been collected from deposits of the final part of MIS 3 (Brianskian–Late Karginian–Denekamp Interstadial). They indicate a period of some warming with respect to climates associated with the encompassing glacial deposits. The unique structure of mammal assemblages of this interval was distinguished during this study. All mammal assemblages of Northern Eurasia related to the end of MIS 3 are characterized by “mixed”, “non-analogue” species composition. The mammals which now inhabit different natural zones (tundra, steppe, forest) occurred together in different combinations over the huge territories of Northern Eurasia. The Northern Eurasian mammalian assemblages correlated with the end of MIS 3 were closer in the species composition to the faunas of cold stages of the Last Glaciation than to interglacial ones. Mathematical methods elucidate the principal and local characteristics of the structure and geographical position of mammal assemblages through most Eurasia between 33 and 24kaBP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Because of their rapid evolution and abundant fossil record, arvicolid molars are commonly employed in Quaternary biostratigraphy. In addition, with their extensive geographical ranges these fossils often permit interregional faunal correlations. However, as a pre-condition for such correlations it has to be established that the occurrences are really time parallel in the different regions. This paper deals with the particular comparison of arvicolid records from Central and Eastern Europe. In most of the earliest and latest records of the species investigated similarities in the spectrum of accompanying species can be observed. In some cases endemism (Ungaromys, Ellobius, Eolagurus, Villanyia, several Pliomys species) or different taxonomic interpretations do not provide a sufficient base for comparison. Only for a few taxa can clear biostratigraphical differences of ranges be recognised (mainly Mimomys savini-Arvicola and various lineages within the genus Microtus). In some cases, differences in the chronostratigraphical ranges are possibly caused by the lack of a geological and palaeomagnetic framework for most of the Central European localities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]