Environmental context of the Caune de l'Arago Acheulean occupations (Tautavel, France), new insights from microvertebrates in Q–R levels

摘要: Abstract The comparison between the microvertebrates from Caune de l'Arago Q–R levels and P highlighted differences in their faunal palaeocommunities, notably with presence of Pliomys episcopalis former level. taphonomic analyses birds, lagomorphs micromammals remains have shown that these microvertebrate accumulations are due to coprocoenosis nocturnal birds prey. Bubo bubo seems be main accumulating agent. representation biases minimal levels. changes observed composition different rather reflect environmental than a predation bias. environment present during deposition appears temperate wooded features, which differentiates it rest Ensemble I. These could correspond an interstadial period Marine Isotopic Stage (MIS) 14 or transitional phase isotopic stage 15.