Neanderthal landscapes and their home environment: Flora and Fauna records from level J

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to understand, from a multidisciplinary approach, Neanderthal landscapes and environment from layer J records from Abric Romaní rockshelter. The proxy data used are paleontological and paleobotanical records with natural or anthropic orgin. This study includes pollen, charcoal, small vertebrates (micromammals and anphibians), large mammals and malacofauna. The data yielded through these disciplines approached on the basis of different methodologies (anthracology, palynology, paleontology, and dental microwear and mesowear) provide an assemblage of data showing different aspects of the Neanderthal landscapes and environment. These proxies show a diverse landscape with forested and open landscape areas under a cold environment, which locally has yielded taxa reflecting more humidity rates and the presence of Mediterranean taxa reflecting a cooler climate. In this context, Neanderthals exploited a variety of biotopes for the obtaining of resources, pointing out their adaptability capabilities.