Comparing two different Early Pleistocene microfaunal sequences from the caves of Atapuerca, Sima del Elefante and Gran Dolina (Spain): Biochronological implications and significance of the Jaramillo subchron

摘要: Abstract No ideal method can be used alone to provide an accurate and irrefutable chronology for dating European Early Pleistocene localities. The solution lies in the combination of different, but complementary, approaches complementing their chronological framework. In that regard, results present study show biochronology may a useful additional tool further refine these localities, by providing not only relative information between sites, also giving some important indications about younger or older Jaramillo age. Our presents revised faunal list each levels from localities Gran Dolina (TD) Sima del Elefante (TE), Atapuerca. Both have very likely richest associations small mammal species Quaternary Europe. Perhaps most striking observation is lack similarities assemblages site, which explained gap them. Although subchron has been directly identified at Atapuerca, existing chronostratigraphical framework combined with Vallparadis indicate confidence are than subchron. Consequently, both Atapuerca sites TE TD sequence Spain allows continuous stratigraphic succession interval around terrestrial sequences. biostratigraphy Europe, based mainly few isolated Olduvai–Jaramillo time interval, reinforced sites.