Paleovegetation in the acheulian archaelogical site of Puente Pino and surrounding area (Toledo, Spain)

Abstract

Pollen data of three polinic sequences, located in Puente Pino acheulian archaeological site (Alcolea de Tajo, Toledo), have been analyzed. One of them, SPe (Excavation Pinar Sector), is formed by two zones, SPe-I and SPe-II. The first one, related to PNA archaeological level, is located in the base of that sequence and has been dated in the second part of The Middle Pleistocene. The other one, SPe-II, and the rest of secuences, SPp (Profile Pinar Sector) and STe (Excavation Torreta Sector), belong to the last third of The Upper Pleistocene. The results of the analysis show a certain degree of homogeneity in the composition of the landscape during both periods. The forest group is dominated by Pinus and low presence of Oleaceae, Quercus evergreen and Juniperus. The herbs group is formed by Asteraceae, Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae and Nitrophilus taxa (Plantago and Rumex). Glomus cf. fasciculatum, and 3b type are the most important elements in the Non pollen microfossil (NPMs) group. This composition reflects the Mediterranean climatic conditions. However some meaningful differences are observed. In The Middle Pleistocene the landscape is formed by an open forest while in The Upper Pleistocene the landscape is dominated by herbaceous plants, Glomus cf. fasciculatum and 3b type increase and the total plants diversity is reduced. These changes in the forest development and vegetation diversity, through The Middle and Upper Pleistocene, evidence a deforestation caused by dry severe meteorological conditions.