LARGE RUSCINIAN MAMMALIA IN THE TERRITORY OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION

Abstract

The presented review of data on large Ruscinian Mammalia from different areas of the former Soviet Union shows that in most localities this fauna correlates with the second half of MN Zone 14 and with MN Zone 15. Single finds in the south of West Siberia are attributed to the initial Ruscinian. The boundary between zones is marked by quantitative changes in proportions of individual forms. A biostratigraphic boundary noticeable in the middle of MN Zone 15 appears to correspond to the lower limit of the Csarnotian in the scheme of M. Kretzoi. The farther to the east, the greater was influence of Asian elements on the fauna evolution in response to continental climatic parameters progressing in this direction.