In:
Journal of Quaternary Science, Wiley
Abstract:
We investigated palaeofood web structures using stable isotope analyses on animal bone collagen from four Upper Palaeolithic sites dated to the Early Gravettian (Krems‐Hundssteig and Krems‐Wachtberg: 33–31k cal a bp , Langenlois: 31–29k cal a bp ) and to the Early Epigravettian (Kammern‐Grubgraben: 24–20k cal a bp ). In both periods, δ 13 C values show niche partitioning between hare, horse and mammoth on one side, and reindeer and ibex on the other, indicating different diets and habitats between both herbivore groups. The δ 15 N differences between carnivores and herbivores suggest a difference of one trophic level during the pre‐Last Glacial Maximum (pre‐LGM) period at the Early Gravettian sites and a tendency towards secondary carnivores during the LGM at Kammern‐Grubgraben. δ 15 N values of pre‐LGM mammoths are elevated in relation to other herbivores but shifted to the level of other herbivores in the LGM. A general δ 15 N value shift in herbivores of 3.3‰ from the pre‐LGM to the LGM is related to climatic deterioration. This may have led to the disappearance of certain ecological niches and to a shift from broader to overlapping ecological herbivore niches shortly before the LGM, as demonstrated by SIBER analyses.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0267-8179
,
1099-1417
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2031875-3
SSG:
13
SSG:
14
