The origin of Eurasian Mammoth Faunas (Mammuthus–Coelodonta Faunal Complex)

摘要: Abstract Pleistocene Mammoth Faunas were the most successful, cold-adapted large mammal assemblages in history of Earth. However, causes for their emergence can not be attributed only to global trend climate cooling which occurred during Neogene/Quaternary period. The formation Eurasian Mammuthus–Coelodonta Faunal Complex was a result interacting tectonic, geographical, climatic, ecological and phylogenetic processes. key environmental factors controlling origin evolution Palaearctic faunas successive aridification major parts Eurasia, rhythmic climatic with prolonged intensified cold stages, increasing continentality. Between 2.6 Ma around 700 ka BP, largely independent became established continental Asian steppe regions as well circumpolar tundra. Both faunal complexes adapted open conditions but separated from each other. principal requirements order species evolve into members are progressing adaptation aridity, decreasing temperatures rapid temperature fluctuations. mainly composed descendants either Central or Arctic tundra elements. majority emerged north Himalayan–Tibetan uplift. 640 480 ka BP, saiga, musk-ox reindeer occasionally spread far beyond limits respective traditional areas, thus anticipating subsequent merge originated Faunas. During pronounced period MIS 12, regularly expanded south- southwestward newly formed type biome, so-called tundra-steppe. In parallel, originating dispersed new habitats northwest ancestral distribution areas. This drastic turnover led earliest pan-Eurasian Fauna at 460 ka BP. sister taxa several involved underwent separate Asia, indicating differences between core tundra-steppe habitats. temperate humid stages late Middle Late periods transcontinental reach steppe-tundra biome collapsed. As result, characteristic forced back refugia, returning when more evolved began. maximum geographic extension Pleistocene, it covered an area up 190 degrees longitude 40 latitude.