Evidence of Late-Pleistocene Monte Formation in Central West Argentina

EDUARDO MARTINEZ CARRETERO, ALEJANDRO GARCIA, AND MARIANA DACAR

current research in the pleistocene

Texas A&M University

Lugar: USA; Año: 2009 vol. 26 p. 139 - 141

8755-898X

The present knowledge on late-Quaternary environmental change in subtropical central-western Argentina is fragmentary, particularly because dates and organic records are scarce (Mart¨ªnez Carretero et al. 2004), pollen analyses are mostly restricted to the Holocene, and a general model of Pleistocene glacial advances is not yet available. Within this context, a paleoecological record obtained from recent stratigraphic excavations at the Gruta del Indio site (34¡ã 45¡ä S, 68¡ã 22¡ä W, 660 m a.s.l.) provides important evidence of paleoenvironments of the area, particularly for the late Pleistocene (Garc¨ªa 2003; Garc¨ªa and Lagiglia 1999). This record, unique for this part of South America, is composed of coprolites from small rodents (medium-sized¡ä S, 68¡ã 22¡ä W, 660 m a.s.l.) provides important evidence of paleoenvironments of the area, particularly for the late Pleistocene (Garc¨ªa 2003; Garc¨ªa and Lagiglia 1999). This record, unique for this part of South America, is composed of coprolites from small rodents (medium-sized Lagidium viscacia) and large mammals (Hippidion sp.) (Garc¨ªa et al. 2006, 2008). Two xeric phytogeographical regions are currently present in the area: the Monte, on flatlands and foothills, dominated by shrubs and scarce trees, and the Cardonal, on sunny slopes, dominated by cactaceae and small shrubs.) and large mammals (Hippidion sp.) (Garc¨ªa et al. 2006, 2008). Two xeric phytogeographical regions are currently present in the area: the Monte, on flatlands and foothills, dominated by shrubs and scarce trees, and the Cardonal, on sunny slopes, dominated by cactaceae and small shrubs.