Abstract
Abstract The study of past ecosystems can be complex due to taphonomic processes. These processes may alter the spatial and temporal location of fossils during site formation. The Dolina site (Burgos, Spain) provides an example of the contribution of taphonomy to the interpretation of the past environments. This site belongs to the Atapuerca-Ibeas cave complex with extensive evidence of human activity throughout the Pleistocene. The small mammal assemblages from Dolina show evidence that predation has biased species composition to some degree. Especially in two levels (TD4 and TD11), predator activity appears to have interfered with palaeoecological interpretations and exaggerated inferred climatic changes during the Middle Pleistocene. Once possible bias due to taphonomic agents is recognized, a more realistic and precise interpretation of the palaeoecology of this area is possible, as well as a history of the cave infilling as a background to human use of the cave.
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