Late Miocene–Early Pliocene temperature estimates in Europe using rodents

Studies of mammal communities, and in particular of rodents, provide useful information on palaeoenvironments and palaeoclimates. Based on the relationship between species richness and climatic parameters, we propose three models, using arvicolines, murines or sigmodontines in order to quantify past temperatures. Based on rodents, temperatures are estimated here for Late Miocene–Early Pliocene (MN 9 to MN 15) European faunas at a regional scale. Two kinds of continental patterns in temperatures are observed with homogenous temperatures for MN 9 up to MN 11 or contrasted temperatures at the end of the Miocene. The onset of a latitudinal effect is also indicated during MN 15. Temperature estimates have also been used to infer past elevation for localities.