Palynological Analysis of Neogene Mammal Sites of Turkey - Vegetational and Climatic Implications

Abstract

Pollen assemblages from lacustrine sediments that have known positions relative to mammal faunas in central and western Turkey are analysed. The stratigraphical order of the pollen samples is based on the stage of evolution of the associated mammal remains. The early Early Miocene pollen spectra indicate a flora dominated by mega-mesothermic elements such as Engelhardia and this flora reflects a subtropical climate. The decrease of mega-mesothermic elements during late Early Miocene suggests a slight decrease in temperature. During Middle Miocene a rich mixed forest flora including Quercus, Engelhardia, Zelkova, Parrotia persica, Alnus, Cedrus and Pinus indicative of a warm temperate climate are identified. The loss and decrease in abundance of several mesothermic elements indicates a possible climatic deterioration in Late Miocene. The Late Miocene flora reflects wide open areas with dominant Asteraceae. The Pliocene and Pleistocene palynofloras are similarly rich in herbs such as Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae and coniferous trees (Pinus, Tsuga, Cedrus, Abies) developed in a humid-temperate climatic condition. These palaeoclimatological interpretations are basically supported by the mammal faunas collected from the same localities.