Sediment core fossils in ancient Lake Ohrid: testing for faunal change since the Last Interglacial

摘要: Abstract. Ancient Lake Ohrid is probably of early Pleistocene or Pliocene origin and amongst the few lakes in world harbouring an outstanding degree endemic biodiversity. Although there a long history evolutionary research Ohrid, particularly on molluscs, mollusc fossil record has been missing up to date. For first time, gastropod bivalve fossils are reported from basal, calcareous part 2.6 m sediment succession (core Co1200) north-eastern Ohrid. Electron spin resonance (ESR) dating shells same stratigraphic level yielded age 130 ± 28 ka. Lithofacies III sediments, i.e. subdivision comprising basal core Co1200 between 181.5–263 cm, appeared solid, greyish-white, consisted almost entirely silt-sized endogenic calcite (CaCO3>70%) intact broken shells. Here we compare faunal composition thanatocoenosis with recent associations A total 13 species (9 4 species) could be identified within sediments. The value for reconstructing palaeoenvironmental settings was evaluated agreement palaeontological proxies tested. study also aims at investigating major changes since Last Interglacial searching signs extinction events. combined findings ecological characteristics suggest deposition shallow water environment during Interglacial. fauna exclusively included found present fauna, no events evident this site showed highest similarity Intermediate Layer (5–25 depth) assemblages. demonstrated existence cores great significance future deep drilling projects. It can hoped that more far reaching will then obtained, enabling insight into