Small mammals from Palaeolithic sites of the Crimea

摘要: Abstract The Crimean region is unique in the abundance of Palaeolithic sites, particularly numerous mountain parts peninsula. Most are attributed to Middle Palaeolithic. During recent decades, sites have been investigated by Ukrainian archeologists V.P. Chabai, A.I. Yevtushenko, Yu.E. Demidenko, A.P. Veselsky, and others. Integrated studies performed a large group specialists included assessment geological geomorphological setting every site, analysis paleontological remains recovered from cultural layers (large small mammals, birds, molluscs, as well pollen spores). Cultural dated using various methods ( 14 C, TL, ESR). Studies several thousand mammal bone seven multi-layered Crimea, providing basis for reconstructions environments at different stages human habitation. oldest finds mammals last interglacial, youngest Denekamp (Bryansk) interstadial. More than 20 species identified, which permitted recognition specific features faunal assemblages differing age. faunas display certain stability composition over period almost 100,000 years. No typical cold found, dominated open landscape dwellers. Forest near water present quantities. Some identified do not occur Crimea present. On other hand, number inhabiting today found fossil assemblages. whole, Mountain was refugium possibly also organisms, during glaciation. Due its southern position, retained rather comfortable environmental climate conditions throughout Late Pleistocene. Similarly, were undoubtedly hospitable humans.