Faunal dynamics in SW Europe during the late Early Pleistocene: Palaeobiogeographical insights and biochronological issues

The Pleistocene fossil record of the Mediterranean region is particularly suitable for studying the role of climate change on faunal evolution, and comparing faunal dynamics (FDy) at local and regional levels because of the complex physiographic and climatic heterogeneity of the region, and the complex history of invasions of species of varying geographical origin. This research aims to analyze and compare FDy trends in selected North Mediterranean territories (Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy, Greece), showing current differences in physiographical configuration and climate regime that may be supposed to have roughly been maintained throughout the Pleistocene, differently influencing time of dispersal and distribution patterns of mammalian species. The mammal FDy (changes in biodiversity, taxonomic composition and ecological structure) of each territory is analyzed to verify to what extent the major modifications match climatic and environmental changes. Biogeographic insights and chronological issues are discussed in the light of diachronous/asynchronous dispersal events.