The North Eurasian mammal assemblages during the end of MIS 3 (Brianskian–Late Karginian–Denekamp Interstadial)

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 24 ka BP.