Updated Atapuerca biostratigraphy: Small-mammal distribution and its implications for the biochronology of the Quaternary in Spain

A refined biochronological framework for the Quaternary period in Spain emerges from an updated analysis of small-mammal distributions at Atapuerca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich archaeological and paleontological records. Researchers applied a novel 'unitary association' method to five key stratigraphic sequences, identifying five new faunal units that sharpen existing biozones. This approach not only enhances the temporal resolution of Atapuerca's sedimentary fill but also strengthens correlations with other Pleistocene sites across Europe, providing critical insights into the region's evolutionary history.

Cuenca-Bescós, G., Blain, H.-A., Rofes, J., López-García, J. M., Lozano-Fernández, I., Galán, J., & Núñez-Lahuerta, C. (2016). Updated Atapuerca biostratigraphy: Small-mammal distribution and its implications for the biochronology of the Quaternary in Spain. Comptes Rendus Palevol, 15(6), 621–634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpv.2015.09.006