Analisi morfometrica di marmotte pleistoceniche. A morphometric analysis of pleistocene marmots [Analyse morphométrique des marmottes du Pléistocène].

Résumé

The study shows that the sample represents a homogeneous population for morphometric characters. This population is morphologically and morphometrically comparable with other pleistocene marmots. The presence of an additional tubercule on upper teeth is described also in remains from Nestier and Lazaret Cave. According to Chaline, it characterizes Riss marmots. The enamel analysis shows the typical organization of Sciuromorpha which is comparable with that of Marmota marmota. The frequency of skeletal elements were representative of the entire skeleton, and some skeletal elements were discovered in anatomical connection. These last observations as well as the absence of tool marks suggest that these marmots were not hunted by humans. They probably died during hibernation in burrows and were buried by the sediment.