Direct isotopic evidence for subsistence variability in Middle Pleistocene Neanderthals (Payre, southeastern France)

Bibliographic Collection: 
APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: Bocherens, Hervé; Díaz-Zorita Bonilla, Marta; Daujeard, Camille; Fernandes, Paul; Raynal, Jean-Paul; Moncel, Marie-Hélène
Year of Publication: 2016
Journal: Quarternary Science Reviews
Volume: 154
Pagination: 226 - 236
Date Published: 2016/12/15/
Publication Language: eng
ISBN Number: 0277-3791
Keywords: Early middle Palaeolithic, Ecosystem, Isotope analysis, Land-uses, Neanderthals, Subsistence
Abstract:

AbstractThe site of Payre (SE France) is presented as a case study to decipher possible changes in subsistence and land-use strategies during the middle Pleistocene in Europe. This study applies carbon and oxygen isotopic data (δ13C and δ18O) in dental tooth enamel from four distinct Middle Pleistocene Neanderthals coming from two phases of occupation. This allows us to test if these different Neanderthals were similar in their subsistence strategies and mobility during their childhood, and to compare them with terrestrial predators and to herbivores dwelling in different areas around the cave. The results show that Neanderthals were exploiting the environment differently over time in the absence of a significant environmental change. This change of environment exploitation coincides with different durations of occupation. The age of the individuals allows us to discuss the mobility of young Neanderthals and the topographies they lived on before arriving in the cave. The combination of results obtained from various approaches throws a new light on the investigation of Neanderthal ecosystem and land-use patterns during the Early Middle Palaeolithic in Southeastern France.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2016.11.004
Short Title: Quaternary Science Reviews
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