Late Quaternary climatic and environmental conditions of northern Spain: An isotopic approach based on the mammalian record from La Paloma cave

摘要: La Paloma cave (Asturias, northern Spain) stands out as one of the most notable prehistoric sites Iberian sector due to richness its archaeo-paleontological material, spanning a complete Magdalenian–Azilian sequence (~ 20,300–12,900 cal years BP). The abundance, diversity and good preservation mammalian remains make site an excellent location characterize paleoclimatic, paleoecological paleoenvironmental conditions from biogeochemical standpoint. Stable isotope analyses performed on tooth enamel (δ13Cen, δ18OCO3, δ18OPO4) bone collagen (δ13Ccoll, δ15N) suite herbivore, carnivore omnivore species did not yield significant variations across stratigraphic sequence, likely pointing prevalent stable local conditions, with i) no major vegetation turnover, ii) maintenance hydrological iii) relatively constant soil activity, in spite synchrony temporal context global events, such end Last Glacial Maximum, Heinrich Event 1 Bolling–Allerod oscillation. δ13Cen δ13Ccoll values are within expected range for C3 mixed woodland–mesic grassland conditions. Overall, bovids (large Bovidae, ibex chamois) show higher δ13Cen, δ15N than cervids (red deer roe deer), indicating preference more open environments former. Horse δ13C undistinguishable those red point mixed-feeding behavior. low may be indicative diet protein content. Bayesian mixing model results yielded differences resource use, wolf preying all ungulates fox preferentially incorporating deer. paleoenviromental during latest Pleistocene at area have favored persistence community structure, supporting idea existence refuge areas throughout late Quaternary glacial–interglacial dynamics.