The mid‐Holocene vegetation of the Mediterranean region and southern Europe, and comparison with the present day

摘要: Aim To contribute to the intense debate surrounding relative influence of climate and humans on Mediterranean-region land cover over past 6000 years, we assess Holocene biogeography vegetation history southern Europe by means an extensive pollen record dataset. Location The Mediterranean biogeographical zone neighbouring parts Iberia, Alps Anatolia, between 30 degrees N, 48 10 W 45 E. Methods We compiled a European dataset using available databases (124 sites) other sources (74 sites), with improved spatial coverage dating control compared earlier studies. used only those sites that had data for both 0 ka 6 ka. reconstructed mid-Holocene present-day biomes, arboreal percentages distribution abundance 11 key woody taxa, anomaly maps. Results Northern temperate forest biomes extended further south at than present, but not as far studies suggested. Sclerophyllous occurred along coast throughout region Arboreal were up 50% higher present. At ka, Olea, Fagus Juniperus smaller distributions and/or abundances; Abies, Cedrus deciduous evergreen Quercus larger Phillyrea, Pistacia Cistus showed minimal difference; Pinus cosmopolitan variable abundance. Main conclusions Temporal difference analysis is more meaningful when containing samples all time slices are analysed. During mid-Holocene, was heavily forested it drought-tolerant xeric still widespread margins region. Although human use may have caused degradation mere presence in does require impact. This challenges commonly held belief modern represents degraded state.