Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 38(1) 1995

Issue:

VOL 38(1) 1995

Keywords:

Lemmings, paleoclimate, Quaternary, Europe

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Lemmings (Mammalia, Rodentia) as indicators of temperature and humidity in the European Quaternary

• Kazimierz KOWALSKI

Abstract:

Lemmings (Arvicolidae: Lemminae and Dicrostonychinae) have been generally recognized as excellent indicators of cold climate in the Quaternary of Europe. Lemminae are present in Middle Pliocene localities (Synaptomys) accompanied by a Mediterranean-type fauna. The genus Lemmus first appeared at the end of the Pliocene (Villanyian) and survived in the now temperate zone of Europe through the climatic oscillations of the Early and Middle Pleistocene, mainly accompanied by a forest fauna. Dicrostonychinae, represented by the lineage Predicrostonyx - Dicrostonyx, first appeared in the Pleistocene and were always restricted to cold episodes. In the Late Pleistocene both subfamilies were common in the periglacial zone of Europe. The distributions of lemmings in Europe during different periods of the Quaternary are presented and their paleoecological implications are discussed.