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The large bovids, bison and aurochs, both feature in Paleolithic archaeofauna and art, particularly in Southwestern Eu- rope during the Late Upper Pleistocene. We present a brief taxonomic and morphological description of the bovid spe- cies present at that time, as well as their biogeographical distribution. We then compare this distribution data with their presence in cave and portable art from this period and describe and interpret their depictions according to a number of themes. Our knowledge of the anatomical traits and ecology of these species allows us to better identify and interpret their representation in cave art and portable art made by hunter-gatherer societies. Several examples of Paleolithic art are given, illustrating the relationship between biological context and socio-economic value, and allowing us to under- stand the particular and highly symbolic nature of the relationship between humans and bovids. Beyond subsistence, Paleolithic representations clearly demonstrate a mythological dimension.

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Altres ajuts: CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya The evolutionary history of Bison is a matter of debate due to the scarcity of fossil remains from the earliest members of this clade and the close morphological similarities among species. To clarify the taxonomic status of the earliest stouter bison and their relationships to their putative ancestor, Leptobos, as well as other primitive forms traditionally referred to subgenus Bison (Eobison), we carry out a complete revision of the available European fossil record, with a focus on the forms occurring during the Early-Middle Pleistocene Transition. Emphasis is put on the description of the unpublished Bison remains from the Vallparadís Composite Section (VCS), including the sites of Cal Guardiola and Vallparadís Estació (Terrassa, NE Iberian Peninsula). VCS fossiliferous layers yielded one of the richest faunal assemblages from the European latest Early Pleistocene and one of the few European fossil sites covering almost entirely the Early-Middle Pleistocene Transition (1.2-0.6 Ma). The collection comprises thousands of ungulates remains, especially abundant fossils of a large Bison species. The morphology of the postcranial sample from VCS fits that of Bison (Bison) schoetensacki, i.e., the earliest stout bison (Bison s.s.) recorded in Europe. We studied more than 200 cranial and postcranial elements with a focus on the metapodial remains. Comparisons were performed with all the available fossil record of Pleistocene Eurasian fossil Bison species. We confirm the taxonomic validity of B. schoetensacki and recognize distinct eco-morphotypes of European bison between the late Early Pleistocene and the beginning of the Holocene based on the size and proportions of the metapodials. Although the appendicular skeleton shows reliable characters for the diagnosis of different species, the great morphological homogeneity recognized within the genus requires a cautious approach in systematic studies based on postcranial material.

International audience; This paper presents the first AMS radiocarbon dates done on the Protoaurignacian layer (SLC1 a+b) of Esquicho-Grapaou, a stratified site in Southeastern France. Previous conventional method radiocarbon dates at this site (mostly on charcoal) done in the 1970s produced too large standard deviations, making them difficult to place precisely in time, but already pointing to the antiquity of this layer. For AMS radiocarbon dating we selected taxon-identified faunal samples of the 1970s Bazile excavation collection. Of six samples attempted, two produced dates. These are the first AMS 14 C Protoaurignacian dates in Mediterranean France. In this paper they are placed within a larger context of recently-dated Protoaurignacian sites in western Mediterranean Europe. The Esquicho-Grapaou dates fall squarely in the middle of these, in the 38.7-41.9 ka cal BP range (95.4%), fully in-line with what is currently known about the timing of Protoaurignacian presence in western Mediterranean Europe.

Eugene Bonifay, 2012. Eugene Bonifay, Directeur de Recherche au CNRS, nous a quittes le 27 octobre. Il etait âge de 92 ans. Apres ses etudes secondaires au lycee Perrier a Marseille, il suivit a l’Universite de Marseille une formation de naturaliste qu’il completa a Montpellier avec une specialite sur la geologie des terrains recents. C’est a Montpellier qu’il presenta un memoire de 3eme cycle sur « Le Quaternaire de la vallee de l’Huveaunne ». Mais, tres tot, il s’interessa aussi a la Prehi...

Les grands herbivores sont particulièrement bien représentés dans la couche 9 de la grotte de Coudoulous II (Quercy, Lot), en nombre d’espèces et nombre de restes. Les études morphologique et biométrique précisent les stades évolutifs de plusieurs taxons : Bos, Bison, Equus, Coelodonta, Stephanorhinus et Mammuthus. Les comparaisons effectuées, et l’analyse statistique, apportent des informations sur l’âge du dépôt, attribué à la toute fin du Pléistocène moyen. De plus, les données sur les tailles corporelles des taxons associées à celles sur la micro- et méso-usure dentaire précisent le paléoenvironnement climatique. L’ensemble permet de rendre compte d’une association faunique originale, marqueur d’une période de transition entre deux stades climatiques, entre le Pléistocène moyen (SIM 6) et supérieur (SIM 5), encore mal documentée dans le Quercy. The large Herbivores are particularly well represented in the level 9 of the Coudoulous II cave (Quercy, Lot) both in term of number of species and number of remains. The morphological and biometrical study precise the evolutionary degree of several taxa: Bos, Bison, Equus, Coelodonta, Stephanorhinus and Mammuthus. Comparative analyses, supported by statistical approach, allow to infer the chronology of the level, attributed to the extreme end of the Middle Pleistocene. Paleoenvironmental information’s are given thanks to complementary data such body-size of the species and micro-and meso-dental wear. The large ungulates of level 9 constitute an original faunal association which marks a transitional period between two climatic phases, between Middle (MIS 6) and Late (MIS 5) Pleistocene, period still poorly known in the Quercy region and beyond.

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International audience; The world's oldest known stone tools discovered at the Pliocene site of Lomekwi 3 (LOM3) in the Nachukui Formation, northern Kenya, signals a prodigious behavioral change in the hominin lineage. LOM3, dated to 3.3 Ma, is significantly earlier than the first appearance of genus Homo and coincides with the onset of the Mid-Pliocene Warm Period, warranting new phylogenetic and environmental explanations for the origins of hominin stone tool making behaviors. Here we examined Pliocene paleoenvironments (4.3–3.0 Ma) within the Omo-Turkana Depression (OTD) with paleosol pedogenic carbonate (PC) and faunal enamel carbonate (EC) δ13C and δ18O values. Amidst the gradual shift toward grassier environments, intranodular δ13CPC and δ18OPC variation slightly increased through time. Three of fourteen ungulate herbivore taxa yielded statistically significant increases in δ13CEC values. When all ungulate herbivore δ13CEC values are grouped by feeding categories (C3-browsers, C3-C4-mixed feeders, C4-grazers) there is evidence that the C3-C4-mixed feeding niche contracted and shifted toward the C4-grazing niche as hominins expanded their dietary breadth during the middle Pliocene. Only one of nine taxa showed a significant decrease in δ18OEC values across the study interval. Abrupt, significant environmental perturbations are not evident during LOM3 times in the OTD, casting doubt on variability selection or pulsed humidity as selective forces for middle Pliocene technological innovations. We propose that a long-term feedback system involving gradual environmental changes and biotic dietary competition influenced a suite of hominin adaptations to a broad dietary niche, culminating in the origins of stone tool making behaviors.

International audience; 2. « Une guilde est un groupe d'espèces utilisant la même ressource et dont les niches se chevauchent en partie. Par extension, l'ensemble des carnivores sera considéré comme une guilde, bien que composée d'espèces diurnes ou nocturnes, omnivores ou hypercarnivores, n'entrant pas toujours en compétition » (Brugal, Fosse, 2004 : 581). Résumé.-Deux sites monégasques en grottes livrent des ensembles fossiles très diversifiés en carnivores. La comparaison des associations précisent à la fois la biochronologie des dépôts mais aussi la taphonomie de ces ensembles et les environnements pléistocènes contemporains. Pleistocene Carnivores from Monaco Principaty. The caves of Observatoire and Saint-Martin Keywords.-Carnivores, Pleistocene, Monaco, Cave sites. Abstract.-Two Monegasque sites in caves yield very diversified fossil carnivore species. The comparison of associations specifies both the biochronology of the deposits but also the taphonomy of these sets as well as contemporary Pleistocene environments.

Fifty modern dens were investigated to compare bone accumulation patterns of the two hyaena species in two areas in Kenya (Samburu & Shompole). The spotted hyaena bone accumulations were dominated by size class III ungulates while striped hyaenas’ were by size class I & II. Skeletal distribution suggests different accumulation patterns between the two predators, related to their feeding behaviour (hunting versus scavenging). This neo-taphonomy analysis brings additional referential data for the two African hyenids that may be useful for interpretation of bone assemblages and modifications in modern ecology/conservation and would be also applicable to zooarchaeological and paleontological studies.

Recent years have seen increasing interest in the study of Oldowan technological variability, and the observed inter-assemblage diversity has been attributed to a number of causes, including raw material availability, different hominin species, and cultural and diachronic variation. This paper explores technological variability through the study of Naiyena Engol 2, an Oldowan site dated at c.1.8–1.7 Ma and located in the Nachukui Formation of West Turkana, Kenya. Site formation processes, stratigraphic and taphonomic aspects of Naiyena Engol 2, are reported and are followed by a discussion of the lithic assemblage, focusing on flaking techniques and battering activities. Our results show important diversity of flaking techniques within the same assemblage, suggesting that lithic variability is not only an inter-site phenomenon but also may be found within single Oldowan sites. Additionally, the overall low flake productivity of Naiyena Engol 2 is in sharp contrast with patterns observed in other West Turkana assemblages such as Lokalalei 2, thus also supporting the existence of significant inter-assemblage variability during the Oldowan.

The discovery of a Bison skull (with its atlas) in the Aurignacian site of Régismont-le-Haut (Hérault) is relatively surprising in this open-air context where faunal remains are not well preserved. Complementary studies in the fields of paleontology, taphonomy and zooarchaeology enable us to reconstruct the history (paleohistory) of this specimen and to discuss its taxonomical position, as well as its (economic, symbolic) value.

International audience; The exploitation of small game, especially rabbits, by Neandertals as sources of food or for utilitarian purposes is no longer a subject of debate given increasing evidence for such practices in Europe from the Middle Paleolithic onwards. Instead, focus is now on whether rabbits were an occasional prey or were fully integrated into the socioeconomic system of these human groups. Here we address this issue based on a detailed analysis of rabbit remains from the Mousterian deposits of Pi e Lombard (Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Alpes-Maritimes, France). Dated to the last interglacial period (Marine Isotope Stage 5), rabbit remains (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are the most abundant species throughout the site's Mousterian sequence. Our multi-aspect taphonomical analysis combining mortality profiles, skeletal-part representation , breakage patterns, and bone surface modifications revealed a high incidence of human involvement, demonstrating the rabbit assemblage from Pi e Lombard to have been primarily accumulated by Neandertals. Multiple lines of evidence indicate a recurrent and optimised exploitation of carcasses directly on the site, both as sources of meat (preferentially eaten roasted) and marrow as well as for their pelts, which appear to have been transported away from the site. The high frequency of rabbits in the Pi e Lombard Mousterian assemblage, comprising at least 225 individuals, is unique for this period and probably reflects the location and function of the rock-shelter. The capture of such a hight number of this small mammal potentially required sophisticated acquisition techniques formerly known only from Upper Palaeolithic contexts. Finally, our results shed new light on the subsistence practices, settlement systems and socioeconomic behavior of Neandertals in Western Europe during MIS 5.

International audience; The Mediterranean realm in Southeast France is located between three mountainous regions (Alps, Pyrenees and Massif-Central) and divided by a main north-south river and valley named The Rhône. The hydrological basin of this river is very important and presently the influence of the Mediterranean climate is sensitive higher in this Rhône’ corridor. These geomorphological features condition some partitioning, with two sub-regions (Provence at east of Rhone, and Occitanie at west), as well as a wide coastal plains and more elevated zones at the border of reliefs. In this contribution we will propose a synthetic view and multi-approaches studies (paleontology, paleoecology, biogeography, ecometry…) about the large mammalian associations considered within a diachronic perspective, namely from Late Middle Pleistocene to Late Pleistocene (from MIS 12 to MIS2). This time period is contemporaneous of major climatic phases (especially glacial vs interglacial stages), the succession of Neanderthal and Modern Human cultures, as well as a marked turnover in the faunal biomes known as an important limit between two sub-series: the Middle and the Late Pleistocene. More of 35 archeo-paleontological sites (and many more levels) record as many herbivore and carnivore associations through this space-time which can be analyzed in their dynamic sequence, quantifying several eco-biological factors (body-size, diet category..), including peculiar forms (ex. Cervid: Haploidoceros) and evolutive lineage or taxa replacement (ex. Canis, Bison, Equus…). We must note the importance of geographical factors in the taxa distribution together with the sea-level fluctuation especially marked in the west part of the region (Occitanie). Moreover, the area of Rhone delta and the corridor of this river condition strong wind flow which develop some thick deposits of eolian sands (loess), indicators of locally quite cold condition. Among evolutive traits, the particular case of caballine horses is interesting because showing special adaptive features related to the mild Mediterranean clime (peripheral zones) regardless of global climate conditions. Lastly, ecometrical analysis (meso- and micro-dental wear) developed on some sites and taxa are a valuable tool to precise local environmental features within the global climatic variations. It generally suggests a high resilience and adaptive capacities from the large and medium size herbivores (Equids, Bovids, Cervids). Paleofaunas constitute a well-documented terrestrial archives for paleoclimate reconstruction, raising issues about interactions with climate and local geographic factors; our study allow us to envision the real biological changes, responses or resilience of the mammalian guilds/biomes within this peculiar Western Mediterranean space.

International audience; This contribution presents a general account and summary of the research carried out over the past decades on the Quaternary faunas of France. This country is located in the center of Western Europe, and presents distinct topographical features and very varied climatic influences. This paper is the result of collaborative work between French teams and different researchers specialized in the paleontology of large mammals. Over a hundred paleontological or archaeological sites are mentioned in this review, which covers a broad chronological period, ranging from the Early (including the end of Pliocene/Gelasien) and Middle Pleistocene to the Late Pleistocene. One of the aims of this work is to present studies of the main families or subfamilies of herbivores (Equidae, Rhinocerotidae, Bovidae [Bovines, Caprines, Antilopines, and Rupicaprines], Cervidae, Proboscid) and carnivores (Canidae, Ursidae, Mustelidae, Hyenidae, Felidae). It is not exhaustive at the generic and specific level, but details on the taxonomic status, evolutionary levels and biochronological importance of the most important taxa are given alongside an extensive and up-to-date bibliography of French works.; Cette contribution expose un bilan général et synthétique des recherches menées ces dernières décades en France sur les faunes Quaternaires de ce pays situé au centre de l’Europe de l’Ouest, avec une topographie et des influences climatiques très variées. Cet article est le résultat d’un travail collectif entre différents spécialistes et équipes françaises en Paléontologie des grands mammifères. Près d’une centaine de gisements, paléontologiques ou archéologiques sont concernés et couvrent une large période, depuis la fin du Pliocène, le Pléistocène inférieur et moyen jusqu’au Pléistocène supérieur. Un des buts du travail est de présenter les études réalisées sur les principales familles ou sous-familles d’herbivores (Équidés, Rhinocérotidés Bovidés [Bovinés, Caprinés, Antilopinés, Rupicaprinés] Cervidés, Proboscidiens) et de carnivores (Canidés, Ursidés, Mustélidés, Hyénidés, Félidés). Sans être exhaustif au niveau générique et spécifique, des précisions sur le statut taxonomique, les degrés évolutifs et l’importance biochronologique des taxons sont présentées, accompagnées d’une bibliographie abondante et à jour des travaux français.

International audience; We report the discovery of a karstic site, as a sink, yielding a diversified and well preserved fossil fauna. The morphometric study allows identifying: Equus mosbachensis, Bison priscus ssp., Canis lupus lunellensis, Vulpes vulpes, Oryctolagus cunniculus grenalensis. This association which has a natural origin (pit-fall) is dated of the end of the Middle Pleistocene. The site constitutes a new marker in the fossil record of the Quercy region for this time period.; Un site karstique en aven, dans le Lot, livre un matériel fossile diversifié et en bon état de conservation. L’étude morphométrique permet de déterminer : Equus mosbachensis, Bison priscus ssp., Canis lupus lunellensis, Vulpes vulpes, Oryctolagus cunniculus grenalensis. Cette association, qui a une origine naturelle (piégeage), est caractéristique de la fin du Pléistocène moyen. Il représente un nouveau gisement d’aven-piège dans la documentation de la région Quercy pour cette période.

International audience; Three morphotypes of fossil fecal material (coprolites) have been identified from the Upper Pleistocene site of Cova del Coll Verdaguer (NE Iberian Peninsula). Coprolites are commonly found in Pleistocene records and also in places in which human and carnivore activities co-occurred. However, coprolite identification is typically limited to hyenids, the most readily recognizable fossilized feces, owing to their distinctive shape and good preservation, although non-hyena carnivore coprolites are also likely to be present in these assemblages. Several criteria for a multi-scale integrative analysis are proposed here for discriminating different morphotypes. Hence, this analysis provides an opportunity to assess the involvement of several carnivores in bone accumulations, to identify carnivores not specifically represented by skeletal remains and to evaluate interactions between humans and the carnivore guild, especially medium and small carnivores.

(Photo J.-Ph. Brugal, avril 2014) Quelques Témoignages et éléments biographiques Marcel Jeannet faisait partie de ces chercheurs qui ont défriché la Paléontologie du Quaternaire en France ; spécialiste des micromammifères, il a permis aux études ultérieures d’émerger. Pour donner une idée de l’importance accordée dans les années 1960-1970 à l’étude des faunes quaternaires, je ferai référence à mon histoire personnelle : le Professeur Jean Piveteau, mon Directeur de thèse, m’avait demandé de t...

La découverte d’un crâne (et son atlas) de Bison dans le campement aurignacien de Régismont-le-Haut (Hérault) est assez inattendue dans ce contexte de plein air où les vestiges osseux sont mal conservés. Des approches complémentaires en paléontologie, taphonomie et archéozoologie permettent de retracer l’histoire (la paléohistoire) de cet animal et de discuter à la fois de sa position taxinomique mais aussi de sa valeur (économique, symbolique). The discovery of a Bison skull (with its atlas) in the Aurignacian site of Régismont-le-Haut (Hérault) is relatively surprising in this open-air context where faunal remains are not well preserved. Complementary studies in paleontology, taphonomy and zooarchaeology allow to reconstruct the history (paleohistory) of this specimen and to discuss on its taxonomical position as well as about its meaning or value (economic, symbolic).

Regismont-le-Haut, an Aurignacian open-air campsite, provides an occasion to investigate aspects of Aurignacian site variability that are rarely broached: (1) the relatively poorly known area connecting the Aquitaine and Mediterranean Basins, and (2) the high-resolution spatial organization of an Early Upper Palaeolithic campsite. While more difficult to integrate directly into chronological models of Aurignacian evolution, mostly derived from stratified rock-shelter and cave sites from the northern Aquitaine Basin, it is argued that studying open-air sites like Regismont-le-Haut can furnish detailed information that rock shelter/cave sites cannot, therefore providing critical building blocks and possible reading keys to help reconstruct prehistoric circulation systems and marry synchronic and diachronic perspectives on variability. A detailed description of the geomorphological and sedimentary context, as well as the differing materials and activities (lithic industry and use-wear, faunal remains, mineral colouring materials, personal ornamentation, limestone blocks, fireplaces) that occur on-site, is provided. A summary of activities occurring in two complementary loci ensues, followed by a preliminary spatial reading of one of the primary domestic units. The contemporaneity of the two loci is then treated, and the article finishes with a discussion regarding how Regismont-le-Haut fits both diachronically and synchronically within the Aurignacian.

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International audience; Le site de Vergisson I’ est un abri effondré (post-Würm) et constitue une autre entrée de la grotte fouillée au XIXème siècle, Vergisson I. Il forme avec quatre autres localités (Vergisson II, III, IV et V) un ensemble de cinq cavités creusées dans la Roche de Vergisson, roche sœur de la Roche de Solutré (Bourgogne, France), située à moins de deux kilomètres. Le site fut fouillé de 1965 à 1972 par Marcel Jeannet. Une industrie lithique moustérienne associée à une faune abondante fut mise au jour. Nous présentons les premiers résultats archéozoologiques et taphonomiques de cet assemblage faunique permettant la reconstruction de son histoire afin d’appréhender les occupations humaines et carnivores ainsi que leur comportement alimentaire.Le Renne domine nettement l’assemblage, suivi par le Cheval et les Bovinés. Les carnivores sont aussi représentés avec l’Hyène, le Loup et l’Ours. Sur le plan des représentations squelettiques, on retrouve essentiellement les os ou les parties des os les plus résistants : des os courts (phalanges, carpes et tarses), des dents isolées et les épiphyses des os longs. Les diaphyses sont très fragmentées, réduites à de petites esquilles osseuses.

Aridification is often considered a major driver of long-term ecological change and hominin evolution in eastern Africa during the Plio-Pleistocene; however, this hypothesis remains inadequately tested owing to difficulties in reconstructing terrestrial paleoclimate. We present a revised aridity index for quantifying water deficit (WD) in terrestrial environments using tooth enamel δ18O values, and use this approach to address paleoaridity over the past 4.4 million years in eastern Africa. We find no long-term trend in WD, consistent with other terrestrial climate indicators in the Omo-Turkana Basin, and no relationship between paleoaridity and herbivore paleodiet structure among fossil collections meeting the criteria for WD estimation. Thus, we suggest that changes in the abundance of C4 grass and grazing herbivores in eastern Africa during the Pliocene and Pleistocene may have been decoupled from aridity. As in modern African ecosystems, other factors, such as rainfall seasonality or ecological interactions among plants and mammals, may be important for understanding the evolution of C4 grass- and grazer-dominated biomes.

espanolEl yacimiento musteriense de Pie Lombard (Alpes-Maritimes, Francia) esta localizado en un entorno montanoso de medio rango y posee un conjunto oseo rico y diversificado en el cual los restos de aves son abundantes. Su estudio tafonomico y zooarqueologico brinda cuestiones importantes sobre la explotacion de aves por parte de rapaces, carnivoros y neandertales, y anade otro yacimiento en el cual se lleva a cabo la explotacion de pequenas presas en Europa Occidental. EnglishTraditionally small fast game exploitation is characteristic of the end of Upper Palaeolithic or modern humans. Nevertheless, several authors demonstrated recently small fast game exploitation by fossil hominins able to capture, process and consume small animals for different purposes, despite numerous methodological and technical problems. In this work, we provide results of a taphonomical and zooarchaeological study on all bird bones from the Middle Palaeolithic levels of Pie Lombard using various analytical tools. The Mousterian site of Pie Lombard is a narrow rock shelter located in a middle-range mountainous environment near Tourrettes-sur-Loup (Alpes-Maritimes, France). The Middle Palaeolithic bird bone assemblage retained 18 taxa, all adults. The most represented taxa are choughs and pigeons that represent rocky species, characteristic of mild-temperate climate. The third most common specie is the partridge, although to a lesser extent. Long bones are predominant and anatomical representations are different between the frequent species. Various taphonomical alterations are visible on bird remains, including human modifications (cut marks -incisions and scraping marks- and burnt bones), other non-human predator activities (usually tooth marks and digestion processes) and some diagenetic alterations (especially concretion, corrosion and root marks). The majority of the bones are characterized by curved outline, mixed angles and jagged textures. The bird remains exhibit significant breakages due to various consumption processes (humans, raptors and small carnivores) completed by natural burial process. The birds of prey (probably nocturnal raptors) transported their prey (usually choughs) to the rock shelter where they were consumed and regurgitated. Secondly, small and medium-sized carnivores (small felids like lynx or wild cat had a relevant role) predate occasionally on birds. Neanderthals occupations were occasional, where they exploited herbivores but are also in to some extent at the source of bird accumulation. The humans captured almost exclusively pigeons and partridges, and some choughs. Without excluding a possible use of feathers, the Neanderthal groups of Pie Lombard acquired birds for their meat. Thus, Pie Lombard is a new Middle Paleolithic site where small game exploitation was a real part of the diet. The site can be is added to our recent knowledge, as another sites in Western Europe, demonstrating the ability of Neanderthal to hunt and consume birds as a continuous economic activity in space and time. euskaraPie Lombard-eko (Itsas Alpeak, Frantzia) aztarnategi mousteriarra maila ertaineko ingurune menditsuan dago, eta hezur-multzo aberatsa eta dibertsifikatua du. Oso ugariak dira hegaztien hondakinak. Azterketa tafonomikoak eta zooarkeologikoak harrapariek, karniboroek eta neandertalek hegaztiekin lotuta egindako ustiapenari buruzko gai esanguratsuak azaleratu ditu. Gainera, mendebaldeko Europan harrapakin txikien ustiapena egin deneko beste aztarnategi bat azaldu da.

The morphometric adaptations and the phyletic evolution of the Equus genus during the Quaternary are still the focus of many studies. Several forms (species/subspecies) of Middle and Upper Pleistocene horses have been described in Europe but their spatio-temporal variations, in relation to the environment and the climate require further clarification. This is the case in particular for a typical Middle Pleistocene form: Equus mosbachensis ssp. In this paper, we present combined morphological and ecometric observations based on the upper teeth from three subspecies of this form from five sites: Camps-de-Peyre (E. m. campdepeyri), La Micoque (E. m. micoquii), Lunel-Viel I and Lunel-Viel IV (Equus m. palustris) and Igue des Rameaux (E. mosbachensis ssp.). The understanding of the specific characteristics of this taxon should enable us to better define the occupied habitat and environment. This preliminary study shows the importance of the adaptive capacities of Equus mosbachensis and the pertinence of combined paleontological and ecometric studies for enhancing our understanding of the ecology and the evolution of fossil ungulates. In addition, some authors have postulated that the length of the protocone is correlated to a diet with a high grass content. Although this tendency may have existed during the Quaternary, our study shows, on a smaller chronological scale, that there is no correlation between this measurement and horse diet and paleoenvironment., Les adaptations morphométriques et l’évolution phylétique du genre Equus au Quaternaire font encore l’objet de nombreux travaux. Durant le Pléistocène moyen et supérieur, plusieurs formes (espèces/sous-espèces) de chevaux ont été décrites en Europe mais leurs variations spatio-temporelles, en relation avec l’environnement et le climat, nécessitent d’être mieux définies. C’est en particulier le cas pour une forme typique du Pléistocène moyen : Equus mosbachensis spp., et nous proposons ici des observations combinées, morphologiques et écométriques, à partir des dents supérieures sur trois sous-espèces de cette forme et cinq gisements : Camps-de-Peyre (E. m. campdepeyri), La Micoque (E. m. micoquii), Lunel-Viel I et Lunel-Viel IV (Equus m. palustris) et l’Igue des Rameaux (E. mosbachensis ssp.). La compréhension des spécificités de ce taxon devrait permettre de mieux définir l’habitatoccupé et l’environnement. Cette étude préliminaire illustre l’importance des facultés adaptatives d’Equus mosbachensis et l’intérêtde développer davantage d’études mêlant paléontologie et écométrie afin de mieux comprendre l’écologie et l’évolution des ongulésfossiles. Certains auteurs ont par ailleurs émis l’hypothèse que la longueur du protocône serait corrélée à une alimentation riche engraminées, s’il est possible que cette tendance existe à l’échelle du Quaternaire, à une plus petite échelle chronologique, notre étudemontre qu’il n’existe pas de corrélation entre cette mesure et l’alimentation des chevaux et leur paléoenvironnement.

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Southeast France (eastern Languedoc and western Provence) is a region located in the Mediterranean climatic zone at the junction of western (Magdalenian) and eastern (Epigravettian) realms. It is divided by the Rhone River, which defined a clear cultural and biogeographical border. It records peculiar flora and fauna associations during the last glacial to the optimum Holocene (20–8 ka BP/24–9 ka cal BP) as well as distinct cultural complexes. The objectives of this study are to better characterize the human subsistence behaviour and faunal spectrum during this transitional phase through the analysis of 14 studied sites completed by 34 other sites from the literature, with a total of 101 associations (archaeofaunas). The results allow a diachronic regional synthesis on the subsistence strategy of hunter–gatherers faced with warming from Solutrean to Mesolithic. Their food resources were essentially based on ungulates, although relatively not very diversified. Small game exploitation is sporadically attested during the middle and terminal Magdalenian, and increased during the Epipaleolithic, with terrestrial molluscs and rabbits. Exploitation was dominated by marine molluscs, fishes, and tortoise in the Mesolithic, which represent a limited amount of edible food within the prehistoric diets.

The Cova del Rinoceront is the first site in the Iberian Peninsula where the genus Haploidoceros has been documented. This discovery of abundant remains is also its first recorded occurrence in Europe during the Upper Pleistocene. The new fossil record strengthens claims that this genus was widely distributed during the Pleistocene, occupying a longer time span at least until MIS 5. Cranial and post-cranial skeletal remains ascribed to this species were recovered from the uppermost layers of the Cova del Rinoceront. The diagnostic features that allow these remains to be unequivocally assigned to H. mediterraneus, include their cranial morphology and antler shape, comprising two sickle-shaped beams, curving backwards and laterally, and a long frontal basal tine. This paper highlights the problems of deer systematics and identification given the high degree of fragmentation of the genus, their relatively homogeneous morphology, a virtual absence of reliable characters and the overlap of measurements between species.

Background Climatic and environmental fluctuations as well as anthropogenic pressure have led to the extinction of much of Europe’s megafauna. The European bison or wisent (Bison bonasus), one of the last wild European large mammals, narrowly escaped extinction at the onset of the 20th century owing to hunting and habitat fragmentation. Little is known, however, about its origin, evolutionary history and population dynamics during the Pleistocene. Results Through ancient DNA analysis we show that the emblematic European bison has experienced several waves of population expansion, contraction, and extinction during the last 50,000 years in Europe, culminating in a major reduction of genetic diversity during the Holocene. Fifty-seven complete and partial ancient mitogenomes from throughout Europe, the Caucasus, and Siberia reveal that three populations of wisent (Bison bonasus) and steppe bison (B. priscus) alternately occupied Western Europe, correlating with climate-induced environmental changes. The Late Pleistocene European steppe bison originated from northern Eurasia, whereas the modern wisent population emerged from a refuge in the southern Caucasus after the last glacial maximum. A population overlap during a transition period is reflected in ca. 36,000-year-old paintings in the French Chauvet cave. Bayesian analyses of these complete ancient mitogenomes yielded new dates of the various branching events during the evolution of Bison and its radiation with Bos, which lead us to propose that the genetic affiliation between the wisent and cattle mitogenomes result from incomplete lineage sorting rather than post-speciation gene flow. Conclusion The paleogenetic analysis of bison remains from the last 50,000 years reveals the influence of climate changes on the dynamics of the various bison populations in Europe, only one of which survived into the Holocene, where it experienced severe reductions in its genetic diversity. The time depth and geographical scope of this study enables us to propose temperate Western Europe as a suitable biotope for the wisent compatible with its reintroduction. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-016-0317-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Efremov’s original definition (1940, p. 85) – ‘the study of the transition (in all its details) of animal remains from the biosphere into the lithosphere’ – set the boundaries of Taphonomy at natur...

Taphonomic analyses of bone-surface modifications can provide key insights into past biotic involvement with animal remains, as well as elucidate the context(s) of other biostratinomic (pre-burial) processes, diagenesis, excavation, preparation and storage. Such analyses, however, first require researchers to rigorously disambiguate between continuums of damage morphologies prior to attributing individual marks to specific actors and effectors (e.g., carnivore tooth, stone tool cutting edge, etc.). To date, a number of bone-modifying agents have been identified, and criteria for identifying their traces have been published. Relatively little research, however, has focused on bone-surface modifications imparted during specimen preparation. Herein we report that air scribes, small pneumatic tools commonly used for preparation in museum contexts, can generate unintentional marks that may mimic surficial modification caused by carnivores. To aid investigators in assessing the hypothesis that a mark in question is derived from air-scribe preparation activities, we provide high-resolution, detailed morphological information imaged with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main diagnostic characteristic of air-scribe damage is the occurrence of sequential, variously spaced, sub-millimeter scallop-like stepped bone removals. This morphology can resemble damage imparted by carnivore teeth. In contrast to marks produced by trampling, stone tools and carnivores, however, no continuous internal features, such as linear microstriations, were observed within grooves produced by the air scribe. Thus, the presence of such features can be used to disprove an air-scribe origin. A culmination of the morphological criteria presented herein, cross-cutting relationships with other surficial features (e.g., diagenetic discoloration, weathering textures), the position of occurrence, and an overall contextual framework for the assemblage is suggested for accurate identification of such traces. The ability to recognize or disprove air-scribe damage will allow researchers to confidently proceed with interpreting past biological and sedimentological interactions with animal remains.

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