Iberian Mountains Research Articles

Winter is coming: Miocene and Quaternary climatic shifts shaped the diversification of Western-Mediterranean Harpactocrates (Araneae, Dysderidae) spiders.

Past climatic shifts have played a major role in generating and shaping biodiversity. Quaternary glacial cycles are the better known examples of dramatic climatic changes endured by ecosystems in temperate regions. Although still a matter of debate, some authors suggest that glaciations promoted speciation. Here we investigate the effect of past climatic changes on the diversification of the ground-dwelling spider genus Harpactocrates, distributed across the major mountain ranges of the western Mediterranean. Concatenated and species-tree analyses of multiple mitochondrial and nuclear loci, combined with the use of fossil and biogeographic calibration points, reveal a Miocene origin of most nominal species, but also unravel several cryptic lineages tracing back to the Pleistocene. We hypothesize that the Miocene Climatic Transition triggered major extinction events in the genus but also promoted its subsequent diversification. Under this scenario, the Iberian mountains acted as an island-like system, providing shelter to Harpactocrates lineages during the climate shifts and favouring isolation between mountain ranges. Quaternary glacial cycles contributed further to the diversification of the group by isolating lineages in peripheral refugia within mountain ranges. In addition, we recovered some unique biogeographic patterns, such as the colonization of the Alps and the Apennines from the Iberian Peninsula.

Siberian pine decline and mortality in southern siberian mountains

The causes and resulting spatial patterns of Siberian pine mortality in eastern Kuznetzky Alatau Mountains, Siberia were analyzed based on satellite (Landsat, MODIS) and dendrochronology data. Climate variables studied included temperature, precipitation and Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) drought index. Landsat data analysis showed that stand mortality was first detected in the year 2006 at an elevation of 650m, and extended up to 900m by the year 2012. Mortality was accompanied by a decrease in MODIS-derived vegetation index (EVI). The area of dead stands and the upper mortality line were correlated with increased drought. The uphill margin of mortality was limited by elevational precipitation gradients. Dead stands (i.e., >75% tree mortality) were located mainly on southern slopes. With respect to slope, mortality was observed within a 7–20° range with greatest mortality occurring on convex terrain. Tree radial increment measurements correlate and were synchronous with SPEI (r2=0.37, rs=80). The results also showed the primary role of drought stress on Siberian pine mortality. A secondary role may be played by bark beetles and root fungi attacks. The observed Siberian pine mortality is part of a broader phenomenon of “dark needle conifers” (DNC, i.e., Siberian pine, fir and spruce) decline and mortality in European Russia, Siberia, and the Russian Far East. All locations of DNC decline coincided with areas of observed drought increase. The results obtained are one of the first observations of drought-induced decline and mortality of DNC at the southern border of boreal forests. Meanwhile if model projections of increased aridity are correct DNC within the southern part of its areal may be replaced by drought-resistant Pinus silvestris and Larix sibirica.

Causes and Evolutionary Consequences of Population Subdivision of an Iberian Mountain Lizard, Iberolacerta monticola

AimThe study of the factors that influence population connectivity and spatial distribution of genetic variation is crucial for understanding speciation and for predicting the effects of landscape modification and habitat fragmentation, which are considered severe threats to global biodiversity. This dual perspective is obtained from analyses of subalpine mountain species, whose present distribution may have been shaped both by cyclical climate changes over ice ages and anthropogenic perturbations of their habitats. Here, we examine the phylogeography, population structure and genetic diversity of the lacertid lizard Iberolacerta monticola, an endemism considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in several populations.LocationNorthwestern quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula.MethodsWe analyzed the mtDNA variation at the control region (454 bp) and the cytochrome b (598 bp) loci, as well as at 10 nuclear microsatellite loci from 17 populations throughout the distribution range of the species.ResultsAccording to nuclear markers, most sampling sites are defined as distinct, genetically differentiated populations, and many of them show traces of recent bottlenecks. Mitochondrial data identify a relatively old, geographically restricted lineage, and four to six younger geographically vicariant sister clades, whose origin may be traced back to the mid-Pleistocene revolution, with several subclades possibly associated to the mid-Bruhnes transition. Geographic range fragmentation of one of these clades, which includes lowland sites, is very recent, and most likely due to the accelerated loss of Atlantic forests by human intervention.Main ConclusionsAltogether, the data fit a “refugia within refugia” model, some lack of pattern uniformity notwithstanding, and suggest that these mountains might be the cradles of new species of Iberolacerta. However, the changes operated during the Holocene severely compromise the long-term survival of those genetic lineages more exposed to the anthropogenic perturbations of their habitats.

Effects of human activity on the distribution and abundance of an endangered Mediterranean high-mountain plant (Erysimum penyalarense)

The Iberian mountains are important biodiversity hotspots that face great immediate threats like other species-rich regions on Earth. Preservation of natural communities has historically been based on protecting them from physical disturbance. One of the most important causes of disturbance in natural communities today is human activity. Erysimum penyalarense is an endemic and endangered Mediterranean high-mountain herb. In this study, we explore the effect of environmental factors (microhabitat characteristics) and human activity on its abundance and distribution within the only remaining population of the species. Our results indicate that the species is much more abundant than previously thought. The only population known benefited from human disturbance but was negatively affected by animal disturbance and shrub encroachment. Therefore, the net effect of human activity on the species depends on the balance between the different activities carried out within its distribution range, suggesting that intermediate levels of disturbance could help preserve some endangered plants.

Inferring shifts in tree species distribution using asymmetric distribution curves: a case study in the Iberian mountains

AbstractQuestionsThe objectives of this study were to examine altitudinal shifts in tree species distributions over one decade to quantify the potential for tree migration.LocationSpain.MethodsWe analysed presence–absence data using two successive surveys of the Spanish Forest Inventory in five Fagaceae tree species (two temperate: Fagus sylvatica and Quercus petraea, one sub‐Mediterranean: Q. faginea and two Mediterranean: Q. suber and Q. ilex) in two mountain ranges (the Pyrenees and the Iberian system). Half of the fitted altitudinal distributions were skewed and required use of an asymmetric model for unbiased estimates of optimum altitude and changes in the probability of presence along the altitudinal gradient. For each species and mountain range, shifts were considered to have occurred when the difference in optimum altitude was significant or when differences in probability of occurrence between the two surveys demonstrated the occurrence of colonization or extirpation events.ResultsOverall, depending on species and mountain range, shifts in optimum altitude ranged between −34 m and +181 m. The altitudinal distribution of the Mediterranean species at the core of their latitudinal distribution range presented no sign of change. For the temperate and sub‐Mediterranean Fagaceae species, the patterns demonstrated the existence of distribution changes over a 10‐yr period. The largest, although not statistically significant, upward shift in optimum altitude was observed for Q. petraea in the Iberian system. More interestingly, its distribution indicated colonization events at higher altitudes. For Q. faginea in the Pyrenees, the shift in optimum altitude was the second largest and statistically significant, and was associated with large extirpation events at the lower altitudes. No evidence of shifts was observed for F. sylvatica.ConclusionThis work demonstrates that changes in altitudinal distribution could occur over a 10‐yr time period for tree species located at the southern limit of their distribution, such as some temperate and sub‐Mediterranean oaks, whereas no movement was detected for Mediterranean oaks in the core of their distribution area.

Gamasid mites (Parasitiformes, Mesostigmata) of the European arctic and their distribution patterns

Analysis has been completed of all the available material on gamasid mites from insular and continental territories of the Barents Sea region. A total of 116 species has been revealed, including 9 new to science. The species Gamasus armatus L. Koch, 1879 is transferred to the genus Gamasodes Oudemans, 1939, thus becoming Gamasodesarmatus (L. Koch, 1879), comb. n. Six species of gamasid mites occur even at the thermal limit in the Northern Hemisphere, on the ice-free grounds of Franz Josef Land (with mid-July temperatures ranging from −1.2°C to +1.6°C). On Svalbard, 25 species have been recorded, as compared to 27 on Novaya Zemlya, 39 on Vaigach Island, 43 on Kolguev Island, 50 in the Pechora Bay, 37 on Kanin Peninsula, and 58 on the Eastern Murman coast. Despite the differences in the quality and quantity of material obtained during 30 years from numerous collectors, a relation between species diversity and summer heat supply has been revealed (linear regression coefficient: 0.816; significance level: 99%). The most diverse families are Ascidae (23 species, including 20 species of Arctoseius), Parasitidae (15, including 6 species of Vulgarogamasus), and Zerconidae (14, including 11 species of Zercon). The species Zercon michaeli Halaskova, 1977, Zercon solenites Haarlov, 1942, Parasitellus papei (Karg, 1985), Parasitellus arcticus (Karg, 1985), and Halolaelaps gerlachi Hirschmann, 1966 have been recorded in Russia for the first time. The species Zercon acanticus Blaszak, 1978, Poecilochirus nordi Davydova, 1971, Euryparasitus tori Davydova, 1970, Gamasellus tundriensis Davydova, 1982, Arctoseius nikolskyi Makarova et Petrova, 1992, and Neoseiulus ellesmerei (Chant et Hansell, 1971) are new to the European list. The specific gamasid mites associated with lemmings or bumble-bees are absent on Franz Josef Land and Svalbard, since both archipelagoes were almost completely glaciated in the Late Pleistocene. An obviously temporary population of a member of the family Macrochelidae, namely, of the dung-compost cosmopolitan species Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli, 1772) was first recorded in the High Arctic (Spitsbergen). Distribution ranges of many species, mainly of those of the genus Arctoseius, lie within the Metaarctic (sensu Yurtsev, 1977). High Arctic patterns have been confirmed for Arctoseius tschernovi Makarova, 2000, A. babenkoi Makarova, 2000, A. productus Makarova, 2000, Neoseiulus sp. aff. tibielingmiut (Chant et Hansell, 1971). However, quite a few of the species traditionally considered as “arctic” and inhabiting mainly arctic landscapes in North America and the western Palaearctic, have also been found in the Siberian mountains as far southwards as the Altai-Sayan mountain system: Antennoseius oudemansi (Thor, 1930), Proctolaelaps parvanalis (Thor, 1930), Zerconopsis labradorensis Evans et Hyatt, 1960, Zerconmichaeli, Zercon solenites, etc. Similar arcto-montane patterns have also been revealed for some “mountain” species: Trachytes hirschmanni Hutu, 1973, Syskenozercon kosiri Athias-Henriot, 1976, Veigaia belovae Davydova, 1979, Iphidinychus gaieri (Schweizer, 1961), and Zercon spp. As the climate becomes milder, the total share of arctic and arcto-montane species in the individual regions of the European Arctic gradually drops from 100% (Franz Josef Land) to 12% (Eastern Murman coast).

Large Mammal Fauna from the Pleistocene Deposits of Chagyrskaya Cave Northwestern Altai (based on 2007–2011 Excavations)

The article focuses on the results of analysis of more than 100 thousand animal fossils recovered from Chagyrskaya Cave in 2007–2011. Animal remains from strata 5 and 6a result mostly from the hunting activity of wolves and cave hyenas, which used the cave as a shelter or den for breeding their offspring. In contrast, fauna remains from strata 6b and 6c at the cave's entrance zone primarily accumulated due to the hunting activities of Paleolithic humans, who mostly hunted bison (Bison priscus). To a lesser extent, they also hunted the Ovodov horse (Equus (Sussemionus) ovodovi), reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), Siberian mountain goat (Capra sibirica), and argali (Ovis ammon). Animal bones representing common taxa point to the existence of steppe landscapes during the formation of stratum 6. The sediment deposition of stratum 5 supposedly proceeded under arid climatic conditions. However, small forested areas existed in river valleys and mountain gorges throughout the entire sedimentation period.

Holocene vegetation, fire and climate interactions on the westernmost fringe of the Mediterranean Basin

A new palaeoecological sequence from the western Iberian Central Range significantly contributes to the knowledge on the Holocene vegetation dynamics in central Iberia. This sequence supports the existence of time-transgressive changes in the vegetation cover during the beginning of the Holocene over these central Iberian mountains, specifically the replacement of boreal birch–pine forests with Mediterranean communities. Anthracological analyses also indicate the replacement of boreal pines (Pinus sylvestris) with Mediterranean ones (Pinus pinaster) during the early Holocene. The observed vegetation changes were generally synchronous with climatic phases previously reconstructed for the western Mediterranean region, and they suggest that the climatic trends were most similar to those recorded in the northern Mediterranean region and central Europe. Several cycles of secondary succession after fire ending with the recovery of mature forest have been identified, which demonstrates that the vegetation of western Iberia was highly resilient to fire disturbance. However, when the recurrence of fire crossed a certain threshold, the original forests were not able to completely recover and shrublands and grasslands became dominant; this occurred approximately 5800–5400 cal yr BP. Afterwards, heathlands established as the dominant vegetation, which were maintained by frequent and severe wildfires most likely associated with human activities in a climatic framework that was less suitable for temperate trees. Finally, our palaeoecological record provides guidelines on how to manage protected areas in Mediterranean mountains of southwestern Europe, especially regarding the conservation and restoration of temperate communities that are threatened there such as birch stands.

South Siberian fruits: Their selected chemical constituents, biological activity, and traditional use in folk medicine and daily nutrition

The aim of this work was to determine the content of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds; to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods); to determine selected trace elements (Zn, Cu) content; to identify the selected organic acid composition; and to determine cytotoxic activity against human prostate cancer cells of six selected South Siberian fruits (Siberian mountain ash, bird cherry, Nanking cherry, Siberian apricot, Siberian elder, and prickly wild rose). These fruits have been used in traditional Siberian medicine before conventional medications were developed. During our scientific expedition, different places as big city, small villages near the lake Baikal and in the mountains were visited. We observed local customs and also interviewed women, responsible for preparing meals, about typical usage, recipes, and practical or medical application of native fruits. Siberian apricots revealed the highest total antioxidant activity, concentration of polyphenols and also the best cytotoxic activity among the examined fruits. Bird cherry and Siberian elder had the highest content of copper and zinc among all the evaluated Siberian fruits. The fruits of some of Siberian species, especially apricots and prickly wild rose, can be a good source of antioxidant compounds. Moreover, Siberian apricot, Siberian mountain ash, and bird cherry, due to their interesting activity against prostate cancer cells, may be considered as a potential anticancer prophylaxis. The findings suggest that ethno-medicinal and ethno-nutritional aspects of Siberian fruits should not be neglected. Key words: Siberian fruits, antioxidant activity, trace element, organic acids, cytotoxic activity, ethno-nutrition, ethno-medicine.

Quaternary glacial evolution in the Central Cantabrian Mountains (Northern Spain)

The glacial evolution of the Cantabrian Mountains is not well known. Previous studies have focused on the extent of the glacial maximum and the presence of younger features in several massifs. Recently, efforts have been made to date glacial periods, particularly the glacial maximum. This work presents a reconstruction of the glacial evolution in the Cantabrian Mountains, providing data on the environmental characteristics and timing of the different stages from the Quaternary glacial maximum to the Little Ice Age. The study area covers 3000km2 between the 4°58′W and 3°34′W and includes eleven massifs of the central area of the Cantabrian Mountains. The selected sectors have an Atlantic and Atlantic-Mediterranean transitional climate and include the highest massifs (above 2600m) and low-altitude glacierised massifs (lower than 2000m). Glacial extent and evolution have been reconstructed on the basis of detailed geomorphological and morphostratigraphic mapping. The equilibrium line altitude (palaeo-ELA) has been estimated for the different stages of each tongue. The ELA has been assessed by the AAR and modified Kurowski methods and altitude methods have been considered. A numerical chronological framework is proposed using 17 AMS radiocarbon and one OSL data obtained in lake and bog deposits from three massifs. Four main glacial stages have been differentiated, between 38,000 BP and the Little Ice Age. They correspond to different cold environments, and the number of glacial stages varies from one to four among the different massifs. Conclusions are analysed in the context of the Quaternary glacial evolution of other Iberian mountains.

The Ebro Basin in NE Spain: A crossroads during the Magdalenian

This synthesis shows the transformation of an area traditionally described as a “research desert” (The Ebro Basin) into a well-known territory with more than 30 sites from the Lower to the Upper Magdalenian. The recent excavations in the majority of these sites have furnished 109 numerical dates that allow a preliminary overview of the development of the human population on the south slope of the Pyrenees and its relationships to the north slope and to the Cantabrian Magdalenian. In the case of Archaic Magdalenian (also called Badegoulian) in Gato-2 cave (Zaragoza), there is speculation concerning its relationship with the Levantine cave of Parpalló, based on the greater antiquity of their dates in relation to those obtained along the Cantabrian coast. During the Lower Magdalenian, the population was concentred in the Jalón and Segre basins, along communication axes towards the Meseta and the southeastern France respectively. During the Middle Magdalenian the only important site is the Abauntz cave (Navarra). For its level e (13,500 BP), a reconstruction of space-use is proposed, based on the study of structures and a factor analysis of the lithic and osseous industrial remains. Human mobility routes during the Middle Magdalenian were studied through the portable art and possible lunar calendars. The Upper/Late Magdalenian saw a notable population increase along the southern slope of the Pyrenees and in the Iberian mountain range.

Divergence of TERMINAL FLOWER1-like genes in Rosaceae

Rosaceae is a large family, however, our understanding of its phylogeny is based largely on morphological observations. To understand the relationship between subfamilies Rosoideae, Amygdaloideae, Maloideae and Spiraeoideae at a molecular level, we isolated and compared the plant phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding protein-like genes TERMINAL FLOWER1 (TFL1)-like and CENTRORADIALIS (CEN)-like, which are involved in the control of shoot meristem identity and flowering time. A comparison of gene structures and phylogenetic tree analyses by the Neighbor-Joining method showed that each of the two TFL1-like (MdTFL1-1 and MdTFL1-2) and CEN-like genes (MdCENa and MdCENb) in Maloideae were classified into two distinct clades. The TFL1-like and CEN-like genes of Gillenia in Spiraeoideae belonged to monophyletic Maloideae groups, suggesting that Gillenia and Maloideae have a common near ancestor. However, the Gillenia TFL1-like gene does not contain the insertion sequence of the third intron that is found in MdTFL1-2-like genes of the members of Maloideae such as apple, Korean whitebeam, quince, and Siberian mountain ash. Therefore, after the Maloideae ancestor genome became polyploid through hybridization between Gillenia-like species or genome doubling, an insertion sequence of the third intron of MdTFL1-2-like genes was generated.

The Potential Impact of CO2 and Air Temperature Increases on Krummholz Transformation into Arborescent Form in the Southern Siberian Mountains

Trees in the southern Siberian Mountains forest-tundra ecotone have considerably increased their radial and apical growth increments during the last few decades. This leads to the widespread vertical transformation of mat and prostrate krummholz forms of larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb) and Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour). An analysis of the radial growth increments showed that these transformations began in the mid-1980s. Larch showed a greater resistance to the harsh alpine environment and attained a vertical growth form in areas where Siberian pine is still krummholz. Upper larch treeline is ≥10 m higher than Siberian pine treeline. Observed apical and radial growth increment increases were correlated with CO2 concentration (r = 0.83–0.87), summer temperatures (r = 0.55–0.64), and “cold period” (i.e. September–May) air temperatures (r = 0.36–0.37). Positive correlation between growth increments and winter precipitation was attributed to snow cover protection for trees during wintertime.

Darwin's little Prince

Darwin's little Prince

Forest composition in Mediterranean mountains is projected to shift along the entire elevational gradient under climate change

AbstractAim Species distribution models have been used frequently to assess the effects of climate change on mountain biodiversity. However, the value and accuracy of these assessments have been hampered by the use of low‐resolution data for species distributions and climatic conditions. Herein we assess potential changes in the distribution and community composition of tree species in two mountainous regions of Spain under specific scenarios of climate change using data with a high spatial resolution. We also describe potential changes in species distributions and tree communities along the entire elevational gradient.Location Two mountain ranges in southern Europe: the Central Mountain Range (central west of the Iberian Peninsula), and the Iberian Mountain Range (central east).Methods We modelled current and future distributions of 15 tree species (Eurosiberian, sub‐Mediterranean and Mediterranean species) as functions of climate, lithology and availability of soil water using generalized linear models (logistic regression) and machine learning models (gradient boosting). Using multivariate ordination of a matrix of presence/absence of tree species obtained under two Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios (A2 and B2) for two different periods in the future (2041–70 and 2071–2100), we assessed the predicted changes in the composition of tree communities.Results The models predicted an upward migration of communities of Mediterranean trees to higher elevations and an associated decline in communities of temperate or cold‐adapted trees during the 21st century. It was predicted that 80–99% of the area that shows a climate suitable for cold–wet‐optimum Eurosiberian coniferous and broad‐leaved species will be lost. The largest overall changes were predicted for Mediterranean species found currently at low elevations, such as Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinaster, Quercus ilex ssp. ballota and Juniperus oxycedrus, with sharp increases in their range of 350%.Main conclusions It is likely that areas with climatic conditions suitable for cold‐adapted species will decrease significantly under climate warming. Large changes in species ranges and forest communities might occur, not only at high elevations within Mediterranean mountains but also along the entire elevational gradient throughout this region, particularly at low and mid‐elevations. Mediterranean mountains might lose their key role as refugia for cold‐adapted species and thus an important part of their genetic heritage.

Ravine forests (Tilio-Acerion) of the Iberian Peninsula

A review of ravine forests belonging to the alliance Tilio-Acerion was performed for the Iberian Peninsula by means of published relevés. This alliance is distributed in areas with temperate climate and thus it is concentrated in the Eurosiberian portion of the Peninsula, particularly in the NE quadrant. We recognise six associations: three for the Pyrenees and surrounding areas (Roso pendulinae-Aceretum platanoidis, Violo mirabilis-Ulmetum glabrae and Hedero helicis-Tilietum platyphylli), one for the Cantabrian Range area (Helleboro occidentalis-Tilietum cordatae), one for the Basque-Cantabrian area (Hyperico androsaemi-Ulmetum glabrae) and one for the southern Iberian mountains (Ononido aragonesis-Tilietum platyphylli). Numerical analyses have been carried out to support this classification and to relate the resulting syntaxa to bioclimatic indices and parameters.

Gestión del corzo en Zaragoza: de conservación a control poblacional

As it has happened with other wild ungulates in Europe, the roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus ) population in Aragon has suffered a considerable expansion during the last two decades. In the Iberian Mountains of Zaragoza (SIZ) this process come along with an increasing sporting interest in the species and the raising of conflicts due to crop damage, mainly on fruit trees and vineyards. The Government of Aragon is responsible of managing big game populations and fixes the hunting quotas. During the elaboration of hunting plans it has to consider different and even opposite interests and points of view, so availability of reliable population trends it is essential for the management of these populations. It has been developed a scheme for monitoring roe deer population in Aragon based on strip transect counts of pellet groups. This information is complemented by the sightings of roe deer during a fox and lagomorph monitoring scheme based on spotlight counts from car. In the Iberian Mountain System of Zaragoza, between 2005 and 2009, the survey results point that the roe deer abundance has doubled, and the mean density reaches 5.4 ± 0.33 roe deer/km 2 . Initially, management plans followed a conservative criterion in order to keep the population growing, with a moderate extraction rate, still hunt and a balanced sex-specific quota. Due to the positive trend of the species and the necessity of reducing damage caused to agriculture, mainly fruit trees, the management goals change to population control and it was decided to increase hunting pressure: hunting season was extended, hunting drives with dogs are authorized and the extraction rate is raised. Although the hunting quota fulfillment is close to 80%, and the number of shot deer has increased from 193 in 2005 to 1.084 in 2009, until now there is no reduction in the population growth.

A new hypogean species of Iberian Microtyphlus and review of the taxonomic position of Speleotyphlus and Aphaenotyphlus (Carabidae: Trechinae: Anillini)

A new species of cave-dwelling Anillini (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Microtyphlus charon n. sp. is described from the “Surgencia de l’Orao” Cave (Valencia, East Spain). M. charon n. sp. is close to two troglobiomorphic species, M. infernalis and M. alegrei (new comb.), sharing the same aedeagus morphology. These three species constitute a monophyletic group that is hypothesized as originating in the endogean environment of the southern end of the Iberian Mountain Range, around the Valencia trough. These three species live in caves that were possibly isolated by the Miocene basins. The analysis of key morphological characters in the Microtyphlus phyletic series showed that the slenderness of appendages, that defines taxa as Speleotyphlus and Aphaenotyphlus, are of little phylogenetic value, as this also happens with other troglobiomorphic features (e.g., depigmentation). However, other morphological characteristics (male aedeagus, chaetotaxy, labial tooth) suggest a close relationship between Microtyphlus, Speleotyphlus and Aphaenotyphlus, which leads us to propose the last two taxa as synonyms of Microtyphlus.

Old traditions, new tendencies: Final Paleolithic cultural development in southern Siberia

This paper deals with the study of cultural manifestations in Siberia during the Younger Dryas. In spite of the relative scarcity of data and lack of detailed paleoenvironmental reconstructions for the time span under consideration, there is support for continuous and relatively dense human population in all main river basins southern Siberia. The Final Paleolithic saw important changes in subsistence activities as evidenced by the diversification of hunting practices in the southern Siberian mountains. In different parts of Siberia, this time span was manifested by an increase in bird procurement as one of the more important economic resources. At the same time, areas around Lake Baikal witnessed an increase in fishing and the exploitation of riverine resources.

Global, regional and local scale factors determining glaciation extent in Eastern Siberia over the last 140,000 years

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of variations of greenhouse gas concentrations, orbital parameters, sea-surface conditions, vegetation and dust deposition on the extent of East Siberian mountain glaciations during the late Quaternary. An atmosphere-only general circulation model is used in a series of 16 sensitivity tests at high spatial resolution over the region of interest to systematically evaluate the relative importance of these different forcing parameters. No attempt was made to reproduce in detail the history of late Quaternary mountain glaciations in East Siberia, because, given (a) the temporal and spatial scarcity of available evidence of mountain glaciations in this region and (b) the large uncertainties concerning the boundary conditions to be prescribed in this model, such an exercise must necessarily remain incomplete and partially inconclusive. The results of this study suggest that moisture delivery from the Atlantic is an important factor determining mountain glacier mass balance in Eastern Siberia and is very sensitive to the geometry of the West Eurasian ice sheet. This means that variable moisture blocking by the West Eurasian ice sheet during the Weichselian is the most important single factor explaining the opposite history of glacier and ice sheet extent in West and East Eurasia during the Weichselian. This work confirms earlier results showing that the large 140 kyr BP West Eurasian ice sheet caused regional-scale cooling extending towards Eastern Eurasia. Nevertheless, the simulated response of the regional summer temperature (and thus glacier extent because of the strong dependency of glacier mass balance of summer melt rates) is to a very large extent directly determined by insolation. For the Early Weichselian, this leads to a clear maximum of local glacier extent at 70 kyr BP, which is in line with the variations of top-of-the-atmosphere insolation on orbital time scales, but to some degree at odds with geological evidence which suggests larger glacier extent at 115 and 90 kyr BP than at 70 kyr BP. Through snow feedbacks, the effects of changes in the prescribed vegetation distribution and dust deposition rate are also substantial. In summary, it appears that the broad features of late Quaternary glaciation history in Eastern Eurasia can be understood in terms of known forcings.