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Numerous small mammal localities assigned to the beginning of the Late Middle Pleistocene (Holstein, Likhvin, Hoxne Interglacial) were discovered in Europe during the last years. The stratigraphical position of a number of these faunas and the regional differences are discussed in the paper. The new Likhvin small mammal locality Rybnaya Sloboda (Lower Kama basin, Volga basin, Russia) is the easternmost site of this age in Europe. The rich fauna was discovered in fluvial deposits of the 3rd terrace (III) of the Kama River; sediments that are covered by loess deposits with a series of paleosols. The Rybnaya Sloboda fauna includes 16 species of insectivores, lagomorphs and rodents. Remains of the archaic water vole Arvicola cantianus and the Middle Pleistocene steppe lemming Lagurus transiens dominate the fossils assemblage. The evolutional level of the Arvicolinae remains permits the assignment to the Gun'kovian small mammal assemblage and a correlation with the Likhvin Interglacial (MIS 11) (∼424–374 ka BP). The ecological features of the small mammal assemblage indicate a forest-steppe landscape in the lower Kama basin during MIS 11. The comparison with, and the analysis of numerous European Likhvin (= Holsteinian, = Hoxnian) small mammal faunas indicate a geographical biozonation that shows similarities with the biozonation reconstructed for the Eemian (= Mikulino, MIS 5e) Interglacial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of species composition and species richness from the end of the Middle Pleistocene to the Middle Holocene (∼200–5 ka, MIS7–MIS1) studied in two Central European bioregional mammal assemblages include 176 chrono-species. The study is based on the list of 745 palaeontological sites and 1604 dated localities. For each region, the descriptive models (non-metric multidimensional scaling technique used) of evolution were obtained for full mammal assemblages as well as particular mammalian "guilds" (carnivorous, large herbivorous, small herbivorous and insectivorous). The models for full assemblages revealed several properties of the evolution process: non-linearity, combination of stationary and nonstationary states, irreversible (evolutionary per se) and reversible changes, threshold like effects accompanying transitions between stationary and non-stationary states, and elements of adaptive dynamics in changing environmental conditions. The evolutionary trajectories of mammal "guilds" have the same properties but differ significantly from each other and their relative complexity is no less than the trajectories of full mammal assemblages. Hence, the evolution shows emergent property and irreducibility of complexity at different structural levels of an assemblage. Throughout MIS7–MIS1 the regional faunas responded to global climate changes (δ 18O used as temperature variable), but had various contents, directions, consequences mediated by current species composition and geographic positions in relation to the Saale and the Weichsel continental ice sheets. The study shows a time/spatial invariance (scale-invariant property) of species richness for the stationary states of fauna evolution (especially during MIS3), which is described by a power law function. A mammal assemblage evolution is discussed within the framework of concept of open non-linear self-organising complex quasi-deterministic system with an ability of adaptive behaviour. Internal organisation of such systems justifies their existence and evolution in the area at a borderline between order and chaos and thus their evolution is intrinsically unpredictable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of small mammal and freshwater mollusk remains from the fluvial deposits of VI terrace of Dniester R. in Levada section (Moldova, Transnistria) revealed the main characteristic of species composition and evolutionary level of these remains and permitted their placement in the stratigraphic scale of Middle Pleistocene faunas of Eastern Europe. The Levada fauna corresponds to the same stage as the fauna from the fluvial deposits of VI terrace of Dniester in stratotype of Tiraspolian faunistic complex in Kolkotova Balka section. These faunas existed between the Early Tiraspolian faunas which correlate to the second part of MIS 19 and with MIS 18, and the Late Tiraspolian (MIS 16 and MIS 15). Mimomys savini, Lagurus transiens, Microtus (Terricola) arvalidens, Lasiopodomys (Stenocranius) gregaloides are the species most characteristic of these faunas. The Levada fauna reflects interglacial climate conditions. The faunas of this evolutionary level existed during the second part of the Iliinskian Interglacial of the Russian Plain and during the Cromer Interglacial 2 of West Europe. The freshwater mollusks from Levada section (Viviparus tiraspolitanus Pavl., V. subcrasus Lung., Lithoglyphus naticoides C. Pf. and others) reflects a warm climate close to that of the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Late Pleistocene the formation of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) caused a wide periglacial zone in Europe. The effects of environmental conditions in the periglacial zone on small mammal assemblages have not yet been studied in detail on a European scale during maximum extension of the SIS. In this study, the impact of the SIS on the qualitative/quantitative composition of European small mammal local faunas (LFs) was studied for the GS-2.1 (∼22.9–17.48 a b2k, final of the Last Glacial Maximum). We analysed 55 LFs between 0°E and 55°E and between 45°N and 55°N and proved that the variations in their compositions contained information about spatial variation in environmental/geographical variables, including distance from the putative edge of the SIS and the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean and, to a lesser extent, the altitudes of localities. Based on various criteria, we concluded that the impact of the SIS on the spatial variability of compositions of LSs was not as significant as the effects of air masses over the Atlantic Ocean, but more important than altitude above sea level. It was most probable that the impact of the SIS, considered independently of the Atlantic Ocean, contributed in part to a latitudinal gradient of the mean annual temperature formation, while the Atlantic Ocean air masses predominantly shaped a sectoral west-east gradient of temperature and precipitation. We compared the geographic patterns of compositions of species belonging to LFs in the past and present and concluded that the effect of the Atlantic air masses is the main physical factor that forms the spatial pattern in modern European small mammals and that a similar impact prevailed during the GS-2.1. Qualitative and quantitative differences in the distribution of small mammal species in LFs and in diversity indices between the GS-2.1 and the present time were investigated. We concluded that it is possible that in the GS-2.1 narrow/fragmented ranges dominated, whereas in the Holocene the proportion of small mammal species with wide ranges and intrazonal species increased significantly in the composition of faunas. Additional evidence is provided to support the hypothesis of the existence of the "Carpathian refuge". In the GS-2.1 we attributed the lack of correlation between species richness with mean annual temperature and precipitation. A spatial mosaic of glacial/cryptic refuges conceals a positive correlation between species richness and distance from the putative edge of the SIS. In addition, we described the responses of some common and indicator species to variations in environmental variables. • The effect of SIS on a spatial pattern of LFs was not as significant as expected. • Species richness not determined by a climate pattern around the SIS in the GS.2.1. • Mosaic of glacial refuges had a specific spatial pattern in the periglacial zone. • Atlantic air masses is the main factor forms a spatial pattern of LFs in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By now the abundant European small mammal data have been collected from the deposits of the first part of the Middle Pleistocene (MIS 18 – MIS 11). The significant number of global climatic events (glaciations and interglacials) corresponds to this period. We analyzed the evolutional changes of small mammals of the Middle Pleistocene, revealed the reactions of small mammals on the different climatic events (glaciations, interglacials) and correlated the Western and the Eastern European faunas. The collected data also help us to divide the geological deposits age and permit to reconstruct the palaeogeographic picture of the past. The obtained results may serve as an important component for compiling biostratigraphic schemes of the Middle Pleistocene and the Pleistocene in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Crimean region is unique in the abundance of Palaeolithic sites, particularly numerous in mountain parts of the peninsula. Most are attributed to the Middle Palaeolithic. During recent decades, the sites have been investigated by the Ukrainian archeologists V.P. Chabai, A.I. Yevtushenko, Yu.E. Demidenko, A.P. Veselsky, and others. Integrated studies performed by a large group of specialists included assessment of the geological and geomorphological setting of every site, and analysis of paleontological remains recovered from cultural layers (large and small mammals, birds, molluscs, as well as pollen and spores). Cultural layers of the sites have been dated using various methods (14C, TL, ESR). Studies have included several thousand small mammal bone remains recovered from seven multi-layered Palaeolithic sites in the Crimea, providing the basis for reconstructions of environments at different stages of human habitation. The oldest finds of small mammals are attributed to the last interglacial, and the youngest to the Denekamp (Bryansk) interstadial. More than 20 species of small mammals have been identified, which permitted recognition of specific features of faunal assemblages differing in age. The faunas display a certain stability of species composition over a period of almost 100,000 years. No species typical of cold environments have been found, and the faunas are dominated by open landscape dwellers. Forest and near water species are present in small quantities. Some mammals identified in the sites do not occur in the Crimea at present. On the other hand, a number of species inhabiting the Crimea today have not been found in the fossil assemblages. On the whole, the Mountain Crimea was a refugium for mammals, and possibly also for other organisms, during the last glaciation. Due to its southern position, the Crimea retained rather comfortable environmental and climate conditions throughout the Late Pleistocene. Similarly, the environments were undoubtedly hospitable for humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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: Data on Eastern European fossil mammal fauna and palaeoflora dated to the Last Glacial Maximum (24–18kyr BP) have been summarized using PARADOX and ARC/VIEW software. Palaeobotanical material from 54 sections (197 samples altogether) was studied, along with mammal fossils recovered from 55 localities. This made it possible to compile a series of electronic maps for indicator mammal and plant species for the considered time interval. An analysis of the spatial distribution of species belonging to different ecological groups enabled the identification of principal mammal assemblages and plant communities of the LGM. The whole volume of data was then processed using a range of mathematical techniques. The classes of the palynologically studied sections were analysed integrally with those of mammal localities both in the multidimensional axes space and in physical space (described by their geographical coordinates). Mathematical processing of a considerable amount of palaeobiological data permitted the identification of individual groups of mammals and plants and to make a further comparison between them. In this way, palaeoenvironments of the coldest phase of the Valdai glaciation for the territory of Eastern Europe were reconstructed for the first time by means of simultaneous analysis of theriological and palaeobotanical data using mathematical techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Systematic studies of the Pleistocene mammal assemblages of Eastern Europe have been carried out for more than a century, and they elucidated evolutionary changes and ascertained chronological sequence of the faunas. The available evidence on fossil mammals from Eastern Europe allows differentiation of 7 complexes of large mammals. These complexes represent 15 assemblages and their phases distinguished for small mammals. The appearance of new taxa of different rank provides the basis for identification of the principal stages in mammal evolution. Multi-disciplinary studies of fossil mammal localities have made it possible to correlate theriological data with the main events of the Pleistocene (such as glacials and interglacials) by comparison between geological, geochronological and palaeontological data. Interglacial and periglacial mammal faunas of different age have been defined on the basis of their structural characteristics and geographical distribution. Two types of mammal assemblages are recognised: zonal interglacial and periglacial assemblages specific to glacial periods. In the first type, each zonal assemblage is dominated by a single ecological group of mammals. A distinctive feature of the second type is the co-existence of animals belonging to different ecological groups and inhabiting different natural environments. [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]

Abstract: Investigations of Middle Pleistocene deposits over the past several decades produced a significant mammal database that can be used to evaluate the complicated history of this interval in Eastern Europe. The most significant late Middle Pleistocene warm interval was the Likhvin Interglacial; among the stratigraphic horizons attributed to this interval are the Inzhavino fossil soil, alluvium of the fourth terraces of the main Eastern European rivers, and the Early Euxinian marine deposits of the Black Sea. Fifteen small mammal localities of Likhvin age have been recovered in different regions of the Russian Plain. The stratigraphical position of the faunas from key sections is quite definite: they occur above the Oka Glacial deposits and under the Kamenka and Romny late Middle Pleistocene fossil soils and Dnieper glacial deposits. These faunas are characterized by Arvicola cantianus, Lagurus transiens, Microtus (Pallasiinus) oeconomus, M. (Microtus) ex gr. arvalis, M. (Microtus) agrestis, and M. (Stenocranius) gregalis. Neither the rhizodont voles Mimomys and Pliomys, nor Microtus (Terricola) arvalidens and Microtus (Stenocranius) gregaloides have been recovered from these localities. According to recent data from Western Europe, the similar species composition and stratigraphical position are typical for the Holsteinian Interglacial mammal faunas. These faunas come from deposits covered by late Middle Pleistocene sediments and are correlated to OIS Stage 11. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The rodent faunas from nine sites on the Russian Plain and Taman Peninsula corresponding to the Early–Middle Pleistocene transition have been analyzed. These localities are situated in the Dnieper, Don, Dniester and Danube drainage basins and in the northern regions of the Black and Azov Seas. Seven of the sites are associated with the upper part of Matuyama reversed polarity Chron and located between the beginning of Jaramillo event and the Brunhes/Matuyama boundary. One of the sites was recovered from the Chauda marine deposits of the Black Sea and referred to the very beginning of Brunhes Epoch. The species composition of the rodent fauna sequence has been established. The faunas referred to the Jaramillo event (∼1.1–1.0Ma) contain the advanced Mimomys, steppe lemmings Prolagurus pannonicus and Lagurodon arankae, and Allophaiomys pliocaenicus. Faunas were recovered from Korotoyak (Ostrogozhsk suite), Roksolany, Zapadnye Kairy and Ushkalka localities. The more advanced rodent faunas of the Morozovian assemblage (Port-Katon site) include also the first representatives of Terricola. Karai–Dubina and Shamin localities have been found below the Brunhes/Matuyama boundary (0.85Ma), including the first representatives of Microtus (Microtus ex gr. oeconomus and Microtus arvalinus). The “Pitymys” like voles—Microtus (Stenocranius) hintoni, steppe lemming P. pannonicus and yellow steppe lemming Eolagurus argyropuloi compose the core of these faunas. The Litvin locality, located in the deposits of the Chauda transgression of the Black Sea and corresponding to the very beginning of the Middle Pleistocene, contains a rodent fauna closely resembling the Shamin one. It yielded the remains of Mimomys savini, advanced A. pliocaenicus, P. pannonicus, Microtus (Stenocranius) hintoni, Microtus ex gr. oeconomus and Mcirotus arvalinus. Thus, numerous data permit elucidation of the history of rodent faunas of the Russian Plain during Early–Middle Pleistocene transitions and reveal the definitive stages in their evolution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abundant mammal (45 localities) and plant (52 sections) fossil data collected from the Russian Plain deposits of the Middle Valdai Briansk Interstade indicate a period of noticeable warming. These materials were jointly analyzed. The data were organized in the database software PARADOX and then moved to the GIS program ARC/INFO. Mathematical methods as well as traditional research methods were used for the analysis. The reconstructed biogeographical provinces illustrate the specific environmental and climatic conditions of the Briansk Interstade. Analogues of modern natural zones did not exist at this time on the Russian Plain. The Briansk landscapes reflect the moderate-cool climate of this period, when the majority of northern subarctic plant and mammal species extended their ranges considerably to the south to the Central Russian Plain. At the same time, steppe species penetrated farther north and west. This combination shows that the continuous forest zone was destroyed during the Briansk Inter-stade. Five biogeographical provinces have been reconstructed from the north to the south for the Russian Plain during the Briansk warming on the basis of joint analysis of mammalian and botanical data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper presents the results of a high-resolution palynological, paleomagnetic, and microtheriological study of the Pleistocene sediment sequence at Otkaznoye in the Eastern Ciscaucasian foreland; a sequence which is unique in its stratigraphic completeness and thickness (∼160 m). The sequence includes loess-paleosol, alluvial, and alluvial-proluvial beds. The detailed climatostratigraphic subdivision of the Otkaznoye sequence allows a correlation of the established paleoclimatic record with the global marine isotope stages. The past climatically induced variability in the landscape of the Terek-Kuma Lowland is reconstructed for all Neopleistocene (i.e., Middle and Late Pleistocene) interglacial and glacial periods and for some intervals during the later Early Pleistocene stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]