Rodents, evolution, and prehistory [Rongeurs, évolution et préhistoire].

Résumé

The rodents especially voles, evolved very rapidly during the Quaternary era. Their remains, particularly the teeth, were fossilised by the thousand in prehistoric deposits. The sites can be dated from the degree of evolution attained by the teeth. Since rodents are closely adapted to their biotopes and live under well defined climatic conditions, they are extremely valuable for reconstructing the landscapes and climates of prehistory. In many cases, a single rodent tooth can be used to assess the age of a human skull or a prehistoric settlement, and throw light on the environment and climate of the time.