The Pleistocene high-elevation environments between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma at Melka Kunture (Upper Awash Valley, Ethiopia) based upon stable isotope analysis

A groundbreaking isotopic analysis of faunal tooth enamel from Melka Kunture, Ethiopia, reveals that high-elevation Pleistocene environments (2000–2200 m) were characterized by open grasslands with mixed C3-C4 vegetation, bushes, and aquatic plants. Contrary to expectations, elevation did not influence animal feeding strategies or habitat partitioning, despite altitudinal variations in plant species. Oxygen isotopic data, however, confirmed significant altitude effects on environmental conditions. This study provides critical insights into the dietary behavior of Pleistocene fauna and challenges assumptions about high-elevation ecosystems' impact on animal habitats.

Briatico, G., Bocherens, H., Geraads, D., Melis, R. T., & Mussi, M. (2024). The Pleistocene high-elevation environments between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma at Melka Kunture (Upper Awash Valley, Ethiopia) based upon stable isotope analysis. Scientific Reports, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56768-x