MAMMALS OF THE LATE PLEISTOCENE OF THE PRE-ALTAI PLAIN BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE NOVOSURTAEVKA SECTION

Abstract

The paper deals with a performed study of geological structure and gathering of mammals remains in the Novosurtaevka section. New data showed the presence of two locations of fossil mammals in this section. One location is associated with a channel sand deposited in the Middle Kargian time (MIS 3) about 40550±650 y.a. By the end of the Kargian time (MIS 3) about 30300±350 y.a., the river began to meander, resulting in the replacement of the channel sedimentation by flood-plain one. During this period, the location of Novosurtaevka 2 was formed. The fauna of the Novosurtaevka 1 location is typical for the Middle and Late Pleistocene of the Pre-Altai Plain. The fauna is characterized by the co-existence of species of steppe and forest-steppe biotopes. The presence of remains of red-backed mices in the location is most likely determined by development of floodplain forests in steppe zone and proximity to the mountainous region. Data on malacofauna and vegetation confirm the development of spruce forests and floodplain vegetation in the surrounding areas.