Pleistocene

The lithic industry from Rebibbia-Casal de'Pazzi

by Patrizia Gioia

1992. Lithic industry at Rebibbia- Casal de'Pazzi (Rome), in "New Developments in Italian Archaeology, Part 1, Paper of the IV Conference of Italian Archaeology, London: 155-179. (with Anzidei A.P.)

Although this work is quite dated, it still represents an important starting point for understanding one of the numerous scientific topics presented by the Pleistocene deposit of Casal de’ Pazzi (Rome). About twenty years ago, when this study was published, lithic industries like that found in this important roman site, were still considered as pre-Mousterian. In light of what is at present known about the Neanderthal peopling in Europe, this study offers yet, in my opinion, an important contribution to the knowledge of this interesting subject.

Summary
We present here the typological analysis of an important sample (about one quarter) of the lithic... more Summary
We present here the typological analysis of an important sample (about one quarter) of the lithic industry found at the Rebibbia - Casal de'Pazzi site (Rome). For the most part, the lithic industry is on flakes obtained from small siliceous pebbles, characterised by a high percentage of scrapers, denticulates and notches, and a fairly good number of end-scrapers and multiple tools. There is also a good percentage of these tools on pebbles and cores. The appearance of the demi-Quina and Quina retouches, the almost completely absence of the Levallois technique, and the development of a more complex working of the striking platform for the detachment of the flakes, are the evolutional elements which link this industry to the Würmian Mousterian ones of so called “Pontinian” type.
The industry examined here can thus be assimilated with the ones referred to Protopontinian.
Riassunto
Viene qui presentata l'analisi tipologica di un campione significativo (1/4 circa) dell'industria litica proveniente dal giacimento di Rebibbia - Casal de'Pazzi (Roma). L'industria è ricavata da piccoli ciottoli silicei ed è caratterizzata da un'alta presenza di raschiatoi, denticolati e intaccature; da una discreta presenza di grattato i e strumenti multipli; inoltre una buona percentuale di questi strumenti è su ciottolo e nucleo. La comparsa del ritocco demi-Quina e Quina, il fatto che la tecnica levallois sia praticamente assente, l'attestarsi di una lavorazione più complessa del piano di percussione per il distacco delle schegge, sono degli elementi evolutivi che legano quest'industria a quelle musteriane wiirmiane di tipo pontiniano.
L'industria in esame può essere così inquadrata nell'ambito di quello che è stato definito come Protopontiniano.

Marine mollusc exploitation in Mediterranean prehistory: An overview

by Andre Carlo Colonese

Geodiversity, Suffolk: an Introductory Excursion

by Tim Holt-Wilson

Published in Dixon, RGD (ed): A Celebration of Suffolk Geology. GeoSuffolk 10th Anniversary Volume (GeoSuffolk, Ipswich; 2012). ISBN 0-9508154-7-0

The geodiversity and hence landscape of the county of Suffolk, England, is dominated by the influence of glacial... more The geodiversity and hence landscape of the county of Suffolk, England, is dominated by the influence of glacial deposits of the Lowestoft Formation of Anglian (Elsterian) age. This paper is cast as a series of radial excursions from the centre of the county, introducing the elements of pre-Anglian and post-Anglian geodiversity as they relate to this Lowestoftian legacy, featuring particularly the last two million years. Set against two centuries of scientific study of Suffolk’s Earth heritage, it introduces the major elements of the geodiversity of this classic eastern English lowland landscape.

I DEPOSITI DEL PLEISTOCENE INFERIORE DELLA BASSA VAL DI CECINA (TOSCANA, ITALIA): RICOSTRUZIONE STRATIGRAFICO–DEPOSIZIONALE E PROPOSTA DI SUDDIVISIONE IN UNITA’ ALLOSTRATIGRAFICHE

by Ilaria Consoloni

Giovanni Sarti, Andrea Ciampalini, Ilaria Consoloni & Andrea Cerrina Feroni. Il Quaternario, 20, 151-162

ABSTRACT: G. Sarti et.al., Stratigraphic and depositional reconstruction of the Lower Pleistocene deposits from lower... more ABSTRACT: G. Sarti et.al., Stratigraphic and depositional reconstruction of the Lower Pleistocene deposits from lower Val di Cecina (Tuscany, Italy): a proposal of subdivision in Allostratigraphic Units. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2007).
In the area comprised between the villages of Riparbella and Casale Marittimo (lower Cecina Valley, Tuscany, Italy) a large amount of Pleistocene deposits outcrops. Through a detailed geological survey integrated with facies analysis five litostratigraphic units, grouped in three Allostratigraphic Units (UA), have been detected. The oldest (UA7), lower pleistocenic in age, is formed by two litostratigraphic units (“Conglomerati delle Ginepraie” and “Sabbie ed argille ad Arctica islandica”) showing latero-vertical relationships and are organized
in a transgressive-regressive cycle. The “Conglomerati delle Ginepraie” are arranged in a fining upwards trend and were deposited in small coalescent deltaic environments. Three depositional facies are recognized within the “Sabbie ed argille ad Arctica islandica” recording a fining-coarsening and deepening shallowing upward trend. The UA7 lies in unconformity above pre-quaternary deposits.
The second (UA6), lower pleistocenic in age, is also constituted by two heteropic and transgressive litostratigraphic units
(“Conglomerati delle Lame” and “Arenarie e Sabbie di Montescudaio”) lying in angular unconformity on the UA7. The “Conglomerati delle Lame”, showing a well developed imbrication, were deposited in a foreshore to upper shoreface depositional environment. The “Arenarie e Sabbie di Montescudaio” are characterized by a high to low planar-cross stratification and sometimes by overturned stratification
and were deposited in a shallow marine environment. The regressive phase of this UA is not preserved due to erosive processes. The youngest unit (UA4, “Conglomerati di Serra all’Olio”), was instead deposited in fluvial-braided environment and lies in angular unconformity on the others UA. The middle pleistocenic age of this unit has been inferred on the basis of its stratigraphic position. This stratigraphic reconstruction strongly conflict from previous interpretations. Important climatic and geological remarks derive from the finding of two taxa (Arctica islandica and the coral Cladocora caespitosa) at different stratigraphic positions within the oldest unit (“Sabbie ed argille ad Arctica islandica”). The Arctica islandica testifying cold temperatures (4°C to 13°C) characterizes the first 5
meters of the unit, while beds of Cladocora caespitosa (15°C to 22°C the temperature range of this coral) only occur upwards. We
retain that the deposition of the “Sabbie ed argille ad Arctica islandica” takes place during a warming phase and that the development of Cladocora caespitosa beds could be related to the maximum flooding conditions at the end of the transgressive phase. This interpretation leads to some notable chronostratigraphic implications.

Elevated δ15N values in mammoths: a comparison with modern elephants

by M. Kuitems

"Co-authored with T. van Kolfschoten and J. van der Plicht. Published in 'Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences', 2012"

The extinct Pleistocene woolly mammoth bone collagen shows compared with collagen from other contemporaneous large... more The extinct Pleistocene woolly mammoth bone collagen shows compared with collagen from other contemporaneous large herbivores remarkably high δ15N values. In order to investigate if the observed discrepancy in δ15N values between Pleistocene woolly mammoths and coeval large ungulates also exists in modern relatives, we investigated the δ15N (and δ13C) values in nails of modern proboscideans, rhinoceroses and horses kept in captivity and with a comparable forage. The results of this study show that the nails of the different modern herbivores, supplied with similar diet, have more or less identical δ15N values, so elephants do not show higher δ15N values. How to explain the high values in Pleistocene mammoths? Two different options will be discussed.

Elevated δ15N values in mammoths: a comparison with modern elephants

by M. Kuitems

"Co-authored with T. van Kolfschoten and J. van der Plicht. Published in 'Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences', 2012"

The extinct Pleistocene woolly mammoth bone collagen shows compared with collagen from other contemporaneous large... more The extinct Pleistocene woolly mammoth bone collagen shows compared with collagen from other contemporaneous large herbivores remarkably high δ15N values. In order to investigate if the observed discrepancy in δ15N values between Pleistocene woolly mammoths and coeval large ungulates also exists in modern relatives, we investigated the δ15N (and δ13C) values in nails of modern proboscideans, rhinoceroses and horses kept in captivity and with a comparable forage. The results of this study show that the nails of the different modern herbivores, supplied with similar diet, have more or less identical δ15N values, so elephants do not show higher δ15N values. How to explain the high values in Pleistocene mammoths? Two different options will be discussed.

El concepto de extinción en el Cuaternario

by Fernando Colino

Realizado con Joan Femenias Gual

Resumen. La extinción de las especies es uno de los temas que más bibliografía ha generado en los estudios de... more Resumen. La extinción de las especies es uno de los temas que más bibliografía ha generado en los estudios de Cuaternario. Es un acontecimiento normal de la historia biológica, con una especial significación en el Pleistoceno. La actual extinción de especies es un tema de gran repercusión social, lo que acrecenta los esfuerzos dedicados a su investigación. Este artículo se centra en el concepto de extinción en el Cuaternario, sus causas y su especial significación para la investigación. Un profundo estudio de las extinciones puede ser una importante fuente de hipótesis para las investigaciones prehistóricas.

Abstract. The extinction of the species is one of the topics that have created more bibliography within the Quaternary studies. The extinction, a normal event of biological history, holds a special meaning in the Pleistocene. The current extinction is a topic of great social repercusion, which increases the efforts dedicated to its investigation. This paper aims to understand the concept of extinction in the Quaternary, its causes and its special meaning for investigation. Finally, a detailed study of the extinction may be an important source of hypothesis for Prehistory studies.

Los ambientes de la Prehistoria. Génesis de modelos dinámicos del medio ambiente del Pleistoceno

by Fernando Colino

JIA 2008

El interés por el medio ambiente en el que vivió la humanidad ha constituido uno de los temas fundamentales de la... more El interés por el medio ambiente en el que vivió la humanidad ha constituido uno de los temas fundamentales de la investigación prehistórica, fundamentalmente la centrada en el mundo del Pleistoceno. La Paleoecología, ciencia encargada de las relaciones entre los seres vivos y el medio, había jugado tradicionalmente un papel secundario. Los cambios a los que esta parte de la investigación prehistórica se vio abocada a partir de la década de los ’80 parecen haber situado a la Paleoecología en una situación privilegiada. Por otro lado, el tradicional desarrollo de la investigación en esta disciplina ha limitado en buena medida su aportación, hecho que parece estar cambiando en los últimos años. Para concluir, se realizan algunas reflexiones sobre ese cambio además de algunas aportaciones.

(The interest by the environment on which the humanity lived has constituted one of the fundamental subjects of the prehistoric investigation, essentially the centered one in the world of the Pleistocene. The Paleoecology, science in charge of the relations of the alive beings and the environment, had played a secondary role traditionally. The changes which this part of the prehistoric investigation was led as of the decade of the '80 seem to have located to the Paleoecology in a privileged situation. On the other hand, the traditional development of the investigation in this discipline has limited largely its contribution, fact that seems to be changing in the last years. In order to conclude, some reflections are realised on that change besides some contributions.)

I DEPOSITI DEL PLEISTOCENE INFERIORE DELLA BASSA VAL DI CECINA (TOSCANA, ITALIA): RICOSTRUZIONE STRATIGRAFICO–DEPOSIZIONALE E PROPOSTA DI SUDDIVISIONE IN UNITA’ ALLOSTRATIGRAFICHE

by Andrea Ciampalini

G. Sarti, A. Ciampalini, I. Consoloni & A. Cerrina Feroni - Il Quaternario, Italian Journal of Quaternary Sciences
20(2), 2007 - 151-162

In the area comprised between the villages of Riparbella and Casale Marittimo (lower Cecina Valley, Tuscany, Italy) a... more In the area comprised between the villages of Riparbella and Casale Marittimo (lower Cecina Valley, Tuscany, Italy) a large amount of Pleistocene deposits outcrops. Through a detailed geological survey integrated with facies analysis five litostratigraphic units, grouped in three Allostratigraphic Units (UA), have been detected. The oldest (UA7), lower pleistocenic in age, is formed by two litostratigraphic units (“Conglomerati delle Ginepraie” and “Sabbie ed argille ad Arctica islandica”) showing latero-vertical relationships and are organized in a transgressive-regressive cycle. The “Conglomerati delle Ginepraie” are arranged in a fining upwards trend and were deposited in small coalescent deltaic environments. Three depositional facies are recognized within the “Sabbie ed argille ad Arctica islandica” recording a fining-coarsening and deepening shallowing upward trend. The UA7 lies in unconformity above pre-quaternary deposits.
The second (UA6), lower pleistocenic in age, is also constituted by two heteropic and transgressive litostratigraphic units
(“Conglomerati delle Lame” and “Arenarie e Sabbie di Montescudaio”) lying in angular unconformity on the UA7. The “Conglomerati delle Lame”, showing a well developed imbrication, were deposited in a foreshore to upper shoreface depositional environment. The “Arenarie e Sabbie di Montescudaio” are characterized by a high to low planar-cross stratification and sometimes by overturned stratification
and were deposited in a shallow marine environment. The regressive phase of this UA is not preserved due to erosive processes. The youngest unit (UA4, “Conglomerati di Serra all’Olio”), was instead deposited in fluvial-braided environment and lies in angular unconformity on the others UA. The middle pleistocenic age of this unit has been inferred on the basis of its stratigraphic position. This stratigraphic reconstruction strongly conflict from previous interpretations. Important climatic and geological remarks derive from the finding of two taxa (Arctica islandica and the coral Cladocora caespitosa) at different stratigraphic positions within the oldest unit (“Sabbie ed argille ad Arctica islandica”). The Arctica islandica testifying cold temperatures (4°C to 13°C) characterizes the first 5 meters of the unit, while beds of Cladocora caespitosa (15°C to 22°C the temperature range of this coral) only occur upwards. We
retain that the deposition of the “Sabbie ed argille ad Arctica islandica” takes place during a warming phase and that the development of Cladocora caespitosa beds could be related to the maximum flooding conditions at the end of the transgressive phase. This interpretation leads to some notable chronostratigraphic implications.

The largest known bear, Arctotherium angustidens, from the early Pleistocene pampean region of Argentina: with a discussion of size and diet trends in bears

by Leopoldo Soibelzon

The South American giant short-faced bear (Arctotherium angustidens Gervais and Ameghino, 1880) is
one of five... more The South American giant short-faced bear (Arctotherium angustidens Gervais and Ameghino, 1880) is
one of five described Arctotherium species endemic to South America and it is known for being the earliest, largest,
and most carnivorous member of the genus. Here we report an extraordinarily large A. angustidens individual
exhumed from Ensenadan sediments (early to middle Pleistocene) at Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Based on
overall size, degree of epiphyseal fusion, and pathologies, this bear was an old-aged male that sustained serious
injuries during life. Body mass of the bear is estimated and compared to other ursid species based on a series of
allometric equations. To our knowledge, this specimen now represents the largest bear ever recorded. In light of this
discovery, we discuss the evolution of body size in Arctotherium (from large-to-small) and compare this to bears that
exhibited different evolutionary trajectories. We suggest that the larger size and more carnivorous nature of A.
angustidens, compared to later members of the genus, may reflect the relative lack of other large carnivores and
abundance of herbivores in South America just after the Great American Biotic Interchange.

New evidence of the sabertooth cat Smilodon (Carnivora: Machairodontinae) in the late Pleistocene of southern Chilean Patagonia

by Rafael Labarca

A new stratigraphic profile of Punta Hermengo (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina). Magnetostratigraphy and biostratigraphy

by Esteban Soibelzon

Soibelzon E., Tonni, E.P., Bidegain, JC.

Las “toscas del Río de La Plata” (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Análisis paleofaunístico de un yacimiento paleontológico en desaparición

by Esteban Soibelzon

Soibelzon, E., Gasparini, G. M., Zurita, A. E. y Soibelzon, L. H.

At the coast of the río de la Plata in the Buenos
Aires city lies a classic paleontological site, known as... more At the coast of the río de la Plata in the Buenos
Aires city lies a classic paleontological site, known as “toscas del Río de La Plata” or simple as “las toscas”. It has
been studied for over 120 years and, although it has been widely spread, today is only possible to observe it
during low tide. For this reason, most of the available materials are those collected during the first half of the
XXth century, and that so far have only been incorporated into scarce taxonomic reviews. Among the fossils
collected in “las toscas” highlights Glyptodon munizi Ameghino, Neosclerocalyptus pseudornatus Ameghino,
Mesotherium cristatum Serrés, Arctotherium angustidens Gervais y Ameghino and Theriodictis platensis
(Mercerat); all are exclusive species from the Ensenadan Stage (early to -middle Pleistocene). The sediments of
“las toscas” were deposited during times of normal polarity, more precisely during the “Jaramillo” event (Chron
C1r1n, ca. de 1 Ma). Faunistic evidences (e.g. Tolypeutes, Catagonus) allow to interpret “las toscas” as an open
environment with dry conditions and probably colder than the present.

Chaetophractus vellerosus (Mammalia: Dasypodidae) in the Ensenadan (Lower to Middle Pleistocene) of southeastern Pampean region (Argentine). Paleozoogeographical and paleoclimatic aspects

by Esteban Soibelzon

Soibelzon E., Carlini, A. A., Tonni, E.P. y Soibelzon, L. H

Quantitative reconstruction of Early Pleistocene climate in southeastern Australia and implications for atmospheric circulation

by Kale Sniderman

Denk, T. 2006. Rhododendron ponticum var. sebinense in the Late Pleistocene flora of Hötting, Northern Calcareous Alps: witness of a climate warmer than today? Veröffentlichungen des Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum 86: 43–66.

by Thomas Denk

Feeding ecology, dispersal, and extinction of South American Pleistocene gomphotheres (Gomphotheriidae, Proboscidea)

by José Luis Prado

Sánchez, B.; J. L. Prado and M. T. Alberdi. 2004. Isotopic evidences on the paleodiet of Pleistocene South American gomphotheres (Gomphotheriidae, Proboscidea). Paleobiology, 30 (1), 146-161

To reconstruct the paleodiet and habitat preference of gomphotheres, we measured the carbon and oxygen isotope... more To reconstruct the paleodiet and habitat preference of gomphotheres, we measured the carbon and oxygen isotope composition of 68 bone and tooth samples for three species of Gomphotheriidae from 24 different localities (Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and Brazil). Additionally, we measured the isotopic oxygen in the phosphate of 30 samples to control diagenetic alteration. We calculated the correlation between pairs of d18Op–d18Oc values for enamel, dentine, and bone, taken from the same individual in order to verify whether the oxygen of structural apatite carbonate was in equilibrium with body water. Because of the good correlation obtained among pairs of the three skeletal components, we considered the d13C results of all components to be equally representative of both gomphothere groups, and we used them collectively in the analysis of the data. To compare the different groups of specimens, we divided the samples into six groups, taking
into account their taxonomy as well as their geographic and stratigraphic distribution. Cuvieronius specimens from Chile were exclusively C3 plants eaters, whereas specimens from Bolivia and Ecuador had a mixed C3-C4 diet. Stegomastodon showed a wider range of dietary adaptations. Specimens
from Queque´n Salado in Buenos Aires Province were entirely C3 feeders, whereas the diet of specimens from La Carolina Peninsula (Ecuador) was exclusively C4. The remaining South American groups analyzed were C3-C4 mixed-feeders. Carbon isotope composition of bone and teeth decreased as latitude increased. We found evidence of an exclusively C3-dominated diet at approximately 35–418S. This result confirms that ancient feeding ecology cannot always be inferred from dental morphology or extant relatives. Data from middle and late Pleistocene indicated that, over time, there was an adaptive change in paleodiet from predominantly mixed-feeders to more specialized feeders. We propose that this dietary evolution was one of the causes that forced gomphotheres to extinction in South America. In addition, the data presented in this paper suggest that because of the different feeding preferences among mastodons, mammoths, and gomphotheres, only the bunodont gomphotheres reached South America.

Pleistocene palaeoecology and environmental change on the Darling Downs, southeastern Queensland, Australia

by Gilbert Price

Price, G.J., Sobbe, I.H., 2005. Pleistocene palaeoecology and environmental change on the Darling Downs, southeastern Queensland, Australia. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 51, 171-201.

A diverse Pleistocene fossil assemblage was recovered from a site (QML1396) exposed in the southern banks of Kings... more A diverse Pleistocene fossil assemblage was recovered from a site (QML1396) exposed in the southern banks of Kings Creek, Darling Downs, southeastern Queensland. The site includes both high-energy lateral channel deposits and low-energy vertical accretion deposits. The basal fossil-bearing unit is laterally extensive, fines upward and its geometry and sedimentary structures suggest deposition within a main channel. The coarse channel fill passes upward into overbank levee deposits made up of lenticular sandy-shelly strata alternating with muds. Several taphonomic biases relating to preservation of different faunal groups and skeletal elements was discerned. Biases may be related to fluvial sorting of the assemblage, but causes for differences between the preservation and accumulation of mammal versus non-mammal terrestrial vertebrates remain unclear. In general, the vertebrate material was accumulated and transported into the deposit from the surrounding proximal floodplain. The assemblage is composed of 44 species including molluscs, teleosts, anurans, chelids, squamates, and small and large-sized mammals. Palaeoenvironmental analysis suggests that a mosaic of habitats, including vine thickets, scrublands, open sclerophyllous woodlands interspersed with sparse grassy understories, and open grasslands, were present on the floodplain during the late Pleistocene. From sedimentological and ecological data, it is evident that increasing aridity during the late Pleistocene led to woodland and vine thicket habitat contraction, and grassland expansion on the floodplain. At present, there is no evidence to support the suggestion that the retraction of late Pleistocene Darling Downs habitats was due to anthropogenic factors.

Taxonomy and palaeobiology of the largest‐ever marsupial, Diprotodon Owen, 1838 (Diprotodontidae, Marsupialia)

by Gilbert Price

Price, G.J., 2008. Taxonomy and palaeobiology of the largest-ever marsupial, Diprotodon Owen 1838 (Diprotodontidae, Marsupialia). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 153, 389-417.

To determine accurately the rates of late Pleistocene megafaunal loss, it is fundamentally important to have accurate... more To determine accurately the rates of late Pleistocene megafaunal loss, it is fundamentally important to have accurate taxonomic information for every species. In Australia, accurate taxonomic information is lacking for several Pleistocene groups, including the largest marsupial ever to live, Diprotodon Owen, 1838. Diprotodon taxonomy has been complicated by early nomenclatural problems and by the occurrence of two distinct size classes of individuals that do not reflect an ontogenetic series. Traditionally, the two size classes have been regarded as separate species. However, a taxonomic investigation of large samples (> 1000 teeth) of Diprotodon material from several different fossil localities in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria suggests that there is little evidence for the discrimination of more than one morphospecies. Thus, Diprotodon is here considered a monotypic genus and the single morphospecies, D. optatum Owen, 1838 is considered to have been highly sexually dimorphic. By drawing analogy with extant sexually dimorphic megaherbivores and marsupials, the large form was probably male, and the small form was probably female. Diprotodon optatum probably moved in small, gender-segregated herds, and exhibited a polygynous breeding strategy. As a single morphospecies, D. optatum had a near-continental geographical distribution, similar to that of extant megaherbivores, possibly indicating its niche as a habitat generalist

Is the modern koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) a derived dwarf of a Pleistocene giant? Implications for testing megafauna extinction hypotheses

by Gilbert Price

Price, G.J., 2008. Is the modern koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) a derived dwarf of a Pleistocene giant? Implications for testing megafauna extinction hypotheses. Quaternary Science Reviews 27, 2516-2521.

The modern Australian koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is commonly regarded as a dwarf descendent of a Late Pleistocene... more The modern Australian koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is commonly regarded as a dwarf descendent of a Late Pleistocene giant koala (Ph. stirtoni). The implication of that hypothesis is that the giant koala survived the Late Pleistocene megafaunal extinction ‘‘event’’, albeit as a smaller body-sized form. It is important to be able to constrain rates of Late Pleistocene faunal turnover, an aspect reliant on having accurate taxonomic information of extinct species. The koala dwarfing hypothesis is tested here by using a temporally-constrained biogeographical record of fossil koalas, and a morphological character analysis. The contemporary occurrence of both taxa in pre-Late Pleistocene deposits and significant differences in dental morphologies between those forms suggests that the modern koala is not a derived dwarf of the Pleistocene giant koala. Thus, the giant-form was among a number of other giant mammals, lizards and birds that suffered extinction sometime during the Late Pleistocene. The potential phenomenon of dwarfing of other Late Pleistocene and Recent faunas, such as grey kangaroos, is commonly used as a test for or against various megafaunal extinction hypotheses. However, the results of this study also demonstrate that the dwarfing hypothesis has not been adequately tested for a suite of other taxa. Thus, until the dwarfing hypothesis can be more fully tested, a clear understanding of the fate of Late Pleistocene faunas that apparently survived the extinction ‘‘event’’, and the origins of many extant forms will remain elusive.