Biochronological framework for the late Galerian and early-middle Aurelian Mammal Ages of peninsular Italy

摘要: Abstract Following a recent chronostratigraphic revision of 17 fossiliferous sites hosting assemblages constituting local faunas the Aurelian Mammal Age for peninsular Italy, we provide re-structured biochronological framework and discuss current validity significance middle Pleistocene Faunal Units (FU) this region. Contrasting with previous model wide faunal renewal during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 9 (∼ 330 ka), First Occurrences (FO) several species Torre in Pietra FU are significantly backdated referred to Fontana Ranuccio (530–400 ka). We show that was more gradual occurred earlier than previously assumed. Many taxa typical late register their FO FU, latest Galerian, which is characterized by almost total disappearance Villafranchian persistence Galerian such as Dama clactoniana, Bison schoetensacki Ursus deningeri, Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis, S. hemitoechus, Hippopotamus amphibius, Cervus elaphus eostepahnoceros, spelaeus, Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes. The next only Megaloceros giganteus Mustela putorius. However, observe MIS 9 marks actual moment when region represented those characterizing Pleistocene. For reason, propose still consider (lower levels) fauna conventional boundary Galerian-Aurelian transition. Finally, remark strong MIS 13, five FOs, coincides temperate climatic conditions due absence marked glacial periods could have favored subsequent spread these taxa.