EUROPEAN LAND MAMMAL AGE Meaning and
Definition
-
European Land Mammal Age (ELMA) refers to a geologic time division that primarily focuses on the classification and correlation of fossil mammal assemblages found on the European continent. It is a key tool in the study of paleontology and evolutionary biology.
ELMA divides European land mammal fossils into distinct age periods based on the presence of certain mammalian species, allowing researchers to establish a chronological framework for the region's mammalian evolution. These age periods, known as European Land Mammal Stages (ELMS), are defined by the appearance or disappearance of characteristic mammal taxa and are often correlated with specific geological events or climate conditions.
The ELMA system provides a standardized and widely recognized means of comparing mammalian fossil assemblages across Europe, aiding in the understanding of evolutionary processes, biostratigraphy, and palaeoecology. It helps scientists track the appearance and extinction of different mammalian species, enabling them to identify patterns and trends in the evolutionary history of European land mammals.
The European Land Mammal Age also serves as a framework for discussing and classifying other aspects of the fossil record, such as plants, insects, and other animal groups that coexisted with mammals during specific time intervals. It allows researchers in various fields to better integrate their findings and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of past ecosystems and their dynamics over time.
