Fossil footprints at the late Lower Paleolithic site of Schoeuroningen (Germany): A new line of research to reconstruct animal and hominin paleoecology

The ca. 300 ka Paleolithic sites of Schoeuroningen in northern Germany yielded a number of localities with archeological and paleontological remains representing a rich paleoenvironmental record of the late Middle Pleistocene in northern Europe. An important line of research focused on the ichnology of two localities: Schoeuroningen 13 I-Fs2 and Schoeuroningen 13 II-2 Untere Berme. Here we present the first detailed study of these fossil footprints, which provides insights on Schoeuroningen's paleoenvironment and a snapshot of the mammals once living in the area. Herds of elephants and other species of herbivores congregated along the muddy shores of a paleolake during birch, pine and grass-rich woodland phases. In addition, three potential hominin footprints, probably belonging to a late Homo heidelbergensis, are recorded at Schoeuroningen 13 II-2 Untere Berme. This confirms the complementary potential of ichnology in reconstructing a reliable picture of prehistoric sites.& COPY; 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The Paleolithic sites of Schoeuroningen in northern Germany, which date back to ca. 300 ka, provide valuable information on the late Middle Pleistocene paleoenvironment in northern Europe. This study focuses on the ichnology of two localities, Schoeuroningen 13 I-Fs2 and Schoeuroningen 13 II-2 Untere Berme, and provides insights into the paleoenvironment and the mammalian fauna of the area. The study also records potential hominin footprints, further emphasizing the importance of ichnology in reconstructing prehistoric sites.