Paweł M Socha | Jesuit University Ignatianum in Kraków (original) (raw)
Papers by Paweł M Socha
The framework of the research carried out to see the multidimensionality of attributional process... more The framework of the research carried out to see the multidimensionality of attributional processes followed the outline of concept of spirituality as the process of coping with the existential situation, by transcendence of it on the grounds of the cultural resources of humanity. Performed via the Internet by means of the snowball sampling technique, the research revealed that religious affiliation and the level of Catholic orthodoxy contribute to the degree of sacredness attributed to proposed ten arbitral objects, whose types also proved to be relevant. Overtly religiously identified objects evoked more attributions of sacredness in religious subjects than the nonreligious ones. Objects not identified as religiously laden did not discriminate attributions with regard to religious involvement. The research findings also confirmed the importance of multidimensional understanding of the attributional, meaning giving strategies of coping with the existential situation, suggesting that the dimension of sacredness, compared with other dimensions called ontological, pragmatic, ethical and aesthetical, may even be the most relevant one.
![Research paper thumbnail of Duchowy rozwój człowieka - Karta tytułowa i spis treści [Title page & Table of contents]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/53903685/thumbnails/1.jpg)
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ABSTRACT Ritual behavior seems to be an apparent element of a comprehensive theory of spiritualit... more ABSTRACT Ritual behavior seems to be an apparent element of a comprehensive theory of spirituality, which would consist of such elements, as the cognitive capabilities of mind, need for meaning, existential triggers of transcending one’s own limitedness, and coping strategies of that transcendence. Following the assumption of Pargament and Mahoney (2006), I propose to see ritual as the relevant way of sanctification. Examples of rituals catalyzing sanctification both in religious and secular contexts will be presented. Furthermore, ritualistic sanctification can be seen from the perspective of twofold life experience: mundane and sanctified, an idea introduced by Pawluczuk (1990). One may claim that ritual behavior is a powerful means of enhancing the shift from the mundane to the sanctified, marked by the feeling of sacredness. Therefore, testing the feeling of sacredness can be considered as useful also for measurement of the degree of transcendence (spiritual growth)
Definicje i ustalenia terminologiczne są zwyczajowo "naukową kością niezgody", przynajmniej w nau... more Definicje i ustalenia terminologiczne są zwyczajowo "naukową kością niezgody", przynajmniej w naukach humanistycznych i społecznych. Czasem prowadzi to do rezygnacji z dalszych prób i zdania się albo na ustalenia przypadkowe czy arbitralne, albo do programowego unikania zajmowania stanowiska w tych sprawach. Niestety jest to strusia polityka. Rozumienie podstawowych pojęć, kategorii czy terminów przez autora badań czy publikacji jest nieuniknione, jest jedynie ukryte "między wierszami" (nie można przecież przyjąć, że autor nie wie, o czym pisze!).
Global change biology, Jan 25, 2016
Recent palaeogenetic studies indicate a highly dynamic history in collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx ... more Recent palaeogenetic studies indicate a highly dynamic history in collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx spp.), with several demographical changes linked to climatic fluctuations that took place during the last glaciation. At the western range margin of D. torquatus, these changes were characterized by a series of local extinctions and recolonizations. However, it is unclear whether this pattern represents a local phenomenon, possibly driven by ecological edge effects, or a global phenomenon that took place across large geographical scales. To address this, we explored the palaeogenetic history of the collared lemming using a next-generation sequencing approach for pooled mitochondrial DNA amplicons. Sequences were obtained from over 300 fossil remains sampled across Eurasia and two sites in North America. We identified five mitochondrial lineages of D. torquatus that succeeded each other through time across Europe and western Russia, indicating a history of repeated population extinctions ...
The Late Pleistocene has been a period of significant population and species turnover and extinct... more The Late Pleistocene has been a period of significant population and species turnover and extinctions among the large mammal fauna. Massive climatic and environmental changes during Pleistocene significantly influenced the distribution and also genetic diversity of plants and animals. The model of glacial refugia and habitat contraction to southern peninsulas in Europe as areas for the survival of temperate animal species during unfavourable Pleistocene glaciations is at present widely accepted. However, both molecular data and the fossil record indicate the presence of northern and perhaps north-eastern refugia in Europe. In recent years, much new palaeontological data have been obtained in the Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine, following extensive investigations. The red deer (Cervus elaphus) samples for aDNA studies were collected in Emine-Bair-Khosar Cave, situated on the north edge of Lower Plateau of the Chatyrdag Massif (Crimean Mountains). The cave is a vertical shaft, which functioned as a huge mega-trap over a long period of time (probably most of the Pleistocene). The bone assemblages provided about 5000 bones belonging to more than 40 species. The C. elaphus bones were collected from three different stratigraphical levels, radiocarbon dated by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) method. The bone fragments of four specimens of red deer were used for the DNA isolation and analysis. The mtDNA (Cytochome b) was successfully isolated from three bone fragments and the cytochrome b sequences were amplified by multiplex PCR. The sequences obtained so far allowed for the reconstruction of only preliminary phylogenetic trees. A fragment of metatarsus from level dated to ca. 48,500±2,000 years BP, yielded a sequence of 513 bp, allowing to locate the specimen on the phylogenetic tree within modern C. elaphus specimens from southern and middle Europe. The second bone fragment, a fragment of mandible, collected from level dated approximately to ca. 33,500±400 years BP, yielded a sequence (696 bp) locating this specimen much closer to the modern C. elaphus specimens from China and Far East. From the third bone fragment (metatarsus), dated between ca. 12,000 years BP and 30,000 years BP, the sequence of only 346 bp has been obtained. It locates this specimen between European and Asiatic haplogroups. The preliminary results of analysis of the DNA from Crimean C. elaphus fossils reveal the great genetic heterogeneity and a complex phylogeographical pattern of the material studied. The obtained results support the opinion that Crimean Peninsula was the most north-eastern refugium in Europe during Late Pleistocene playing a major role in recolonization and dispersal processes of temperate species during and after the Late Pleistocene in this part of the Euro-Asian continent.
Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej, 2015
Surgical and endovascular revascularization of ischemic legs in patients with peripheral arterial... more Surgical and endovascular revascularization of ischemic legs in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can damage the arterial wall (endothelial and smooth muscle cells). Hemostatic factors released during endothelial dysfunction can lead to restenosis. 1. Determination of selected endothelial hemostatic factors in PAD patients and a reference group. 2. Prospective observation of new restenosis appearance in PAD patients after endovascular revascularization. 3. Comparison of selected endothelial hemostatic factors between non-restenotic and restenotic PAD patients. 150 PAD patients after endovascular revascularization - 90 men and 60 women, aged 44-88 (mean 65.5) years - were examined. During one-year observation after the revascularization procedures in 38 PAD patients restenosis occurred, when blood samples were also collected. The reference group consisted of 53 healthy persons - 44 men and 9 women, aged 20-56 years. Blood was drawn in the morning into 3.2% sodium citrate at a ratio of 9:1. Tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombomodulin (TM), von Willebrand factor (vWF) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) were measured in plasma with commercial tests using the enzyme immunoassay. In the plasma of PAD patients after revascularization, the concentrations of TF and vWF were significantly higher, TM lower, TFPI and t-PA similar compared to the reference group. Six months after revascularization the level of TF had increased and vWF had significantly decreased. The endothelial hemostatic factors before and after restenosis did not significantly differ except TF, which after restenosis was higher. Increased TF and vWF levels in PAD patients indicate arterial endothelial cell damage, by atherosclerotic and revascularization processes. In PAD patients with restenosis compared to these patients before restenosis the determined endothelial hemostatic factors, except TF level, did not significantly differ. Perhaps TF participates in restenosis formation.
Quaternary International, 2014
ABSTRACT A unique record of faunal changes from the late Middle Pleistocene until the end of the ... more ABSTRACT A unique record of faunal changes from the late Middle Pleistocene until the end of the late Pleistocene was provided by rodent assemblages from Biśnik Cave in Poland. The 17 rodent assemblages, of different qualitative and quantitative composition, included a total of 25 species of various ecological requirements and associated with five types of climate, represented by over 8500 individuals. For biostratigraphic analysis, the following indices were used: the ratio of enamel thickness on anterior and posterior edges of tooth loops in the genus Arvicola (SDQ), and morphological teeth changeability of Microtus oeconomus and Dicrostonyx. All three biostratigraphic methods are consistent, and made it possible to determine the stratigraphic position of the rodent assemblages. The layers from 19 to 14 were deposited in Middle Pleistocene, and the layers from 13 to 1 were deposited in the Late Pleistocene. The layers 14 and 13 constitute the border between the Middle and Late Pleistocene. Climatic and environmental conditions (temperature and humidity, duration of vegetation season) during the deposition were reconstructed, based on the assemblages representing the late Middle Pleistocene (layers 19–14; MIS 7-6), the Eemian interglacial (layers 14, 13; MIS 5e), and the Vistulian (Weichselian) glaciation (layers 12–1; MIS 5d-2). The analysis of bioclimatic indices made it possible to determine the most probable climate during the deposition of the respective assemblages. The environmental preferences allowed reconstruction of the prevailing biomes in the environments of Biśnik Cave. The results of quantitative bioclimatic analysis indicate that the deposition of same of the assemblages may be associated with cold temperature climate. The values of 11 climatic indices show the oscillations of two types of climate, temperate and boreal, with oceanic and continental influence. Reconstruction values of 11 climatic parameters shows an interesting pattern of relative stability in almost all the climatic parameters. Only drought length shows a remarkable change across Middle and Late Pleistocene sediment sequences from Biśnik Cave.
![Research paper thumbnail of Urbanowski et al. 2009 Figures [self-archiving]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/53903688/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Since that time, after several seasons of excavation and laboratory work our knowledge about the ... more Since that time, after several seasons of excavation and laboratory work our knowledge about the site expanded significantly. It is reflected by example by the partial redefinition of the stratigraphy and dating, which basically locate the discovered Neanderthal layers (D1, D2 and D3) inside the MIS-3 stage, not MIS-5 as it was preliminary suggested in this publication.
Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 2015
In patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) a hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic compl... more In patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) a hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic complications occur. Revascularization procedures increase this state, sometimes leading to restenosis. Restenosis following balloon angioplasty (PTA)and stent implantation is ≥ 50% of artery stenosis. To determine the concentration of tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes, fibrinogen and D-dimers in the blood of patients with PAD after peripheral endovascular revascularization of the lower legs and in PAD patients with restenosis. The study included 150 patients with PAD, 90 men and 60 women, aged 44-88 (mean 65.5) years, after successful peripheral angioplasty (PTA) and/or with stenting. During the 6 months after the revascularization procedures, restenosis occurred in 27 patients. The reference group consisted of 53 healthy persons (44 men and 9 women, aged 20-56 years). Blood was drawn in the morning into 3.2% natrium citrate at a ratio of 9 : 1. The concentration of TF, TFPI, TAT complexes and D-dimers were measured in plasma with commercial tests using an enzyme immunoassay. Fibrinogen was determined with coagulometer. In the plasma of patients with PAD after endovascular revascularization, the concentrations of TF, TAT complexes, fibrinogen and D-dimers were significantly higher compared to the reference group. During the six months of observation, 27 patients developed restenosis. The results of hemostatic factors in patients with restenosis were compared with the same patients before restenosis and the group of 123 PAD patients after endovascular revascularization. TF and fibrinogen levels in the 27 patients with restenosis were significantly higher than in the group of PAD patients before restenosis. Statistically significantly higher levels of tissue factor (TF) and fibrinogen in PAD patients with new restenosis, compared to those without restenosis after endovascular revascularization, indicate they can participate in the formation of restenosis.
Quaternary International, 2014
Available online xxx a b s t r a c t Abundant and stratigraphically well positioned fossil materi... more Available online xxx a b s t r a c t Abundant and stratigraphically well positioned fossil material of two small mustelids, stoat and weasel, from Bi snik Cave was studied to investigate size variation. Size was found to be correlated with temperature: during cold periods individuals of both species were smaller than during warm periods. The weasel measurements varied much more, compared to the stoat. Weasel males varied more than females. The largest weasel individuals came from the late Middle Pleistocene layers of Bi snik Cave, while the smallest, dwarf specimens were typical of the cold periods of the last glaciation.
… 2010, held 2-7 May …, 2010
The Late Pleistocene has been a period of significant population and species turnover and extinct... more The Late Pleistocene has been a period of significant population and species turnover and extinctions among the large mammal fauna. Massive climatic and environmental changes during Pleistocene significantly influenced the distribution and ...
The framework of the research carried out to see the multidimensionality of attributional process... more The framework of the research carried out to see the multidimensionality of attributional processes followed the outline of concept of spirituality as the process of coping with the existential situation, by transcendence of it on the grounds of the cultural resources of humanity. Performed via the Internet by means of the snowball sampling technique, the research revealed that religious affiliation and the level of Catholic orthodoxy contribute to the degree of sacredness attributed to proposed ten arbitral objects, whose types also proved to be relevant. Overtly religiously identified objects evoked more attributions of sacredness in religious subjects than the nonreligious ones. Objects not identified as religiously laden did not discriminate attributions with regard to religious involvement. The research findings also confirmed the importance of multidimensional understanding of the attributional, meaning giving strategies of coping with the existential situation, suggesting that the dimension of sacredness, compared with other dimensions called ontological, pragmatic, ethical and aesthetical, may even be the most relevant one.
ABSTRACT Ritual behavior seems to be an apparent element of a comprehensive theory of spiritualit... more ABSTRACT Ritual behavior seems to be an apparent element of a comprehensive theory of spirituality, which would consist of such elements, as the cognitive capabilities of mind, need for meaning, existential triggers of transcending one’s own limitedness, and coping strategies of that transcendence. Following the assumption of Pargament and Mahoney (2006), I propose to see ritual as the relevant way of sanctification. Examples of rituals catalyzing sanctification both in religious and secular contexts will be presented. Furthermore, ritualistic sanctification can be seen from the perspective of twofold life experience: mundane and sanctified, an idea introduced by Pawluczuk (1990). One may claim that ritual behavior is a powerful means of enhancing the shift from the mundane to the sanctified, marked by the feeling of sacredness. Therefore, testing the feeling of sacredness can be considered as useful also for measurement of the degree of transcendence (spiritual growth)
Definicje i ustalenia terminologiczne są zwyczajowo "naukową kością niezgody", przynajmniej w nau... more Definicje i ustalenia terminologiczne są zwyczajowo "naukową kością niezgody", przynajmniej w naukach humanistycznych i społecznych. Czasem prowadzi to do rezygnacji z dalszych prób i zdania się albo na ustalenia przypadkowe czy arbitralne, albo do programowego unikania zajmowania stanowiska w tych sprawach. Niestety jest to strusia polityka. Rozumienie podstawowych pojęć, kategorii czy terminów przez autora badań czy publikacji jest nieuniknione, jest jedynie ukryte "między wierszami" (nie można przecież przyjąć, że autor nie wie, o czym pisze!).
Global change biology, Jan 25, 2016
Recent palaeogenetic studies indicate a highly dynamic history in collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx ... more Recent palaeogenetic studies indicate a highly dynamic history in collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx spp.), with several demographical changes linked to climatic fluctuations that took place during the last glaciation. At the western range margin of D. torquatus, these changes were characterized by a series of local extinctions and recolonizations. However, it is unclear whether this pattern represents a local phenomenon, possibly driven by ecological edge effects, or a global phenomenon that took place across large geographical scales. To address this, we explored the palaeogenetic history of the collared lemming using a next-generation sequencing approach for pooled mitochondrial DNA amplicons. Sequences were obtained from over 300 fossil remains sampled across Eurasia and two sites in North America. We identified five mitochondrial lineages of D. torquatus that succeeded each other through time across Europe and western Russia, indicating a history of repeated population extinctions ...
The Late Pleistocene has been a period of significant population and species turnover and extinct... more The Late Pleistocene has been a period of significant population and species turnover and extinctions among the large mammal fauna. Massive climatic and environmental changes during Pleistocene significantly influenced the distribution and also genetic diversity of plants and animals. The model of glacial refugia and habitat contraction to southern peninsulas in Europe as areas for the survival of temperate animal species during unfavourable Pleistocene glaciations is at present widely accepted. However, both molecular data and the fossil record indicate the presence of northern and perhaps north-eastern refugia in Europe. In recent years, much new palaeontological data have been obtained in the Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine, following extensive investigations. The red deer (Cervus elaphus) samples for aDNA studies were collected in Emine-Bair-Khosar Cave, situated on the north edge of Lower Plateau of the Chatyrdag Massif (Crimean Mountains). The cave is a vertical shaft, which functioned as a huge mega-trap over a long period of time (probably most of the Pleistocene). The bone assemblages provided about 5000 bones belonging to more than 40 species. The C. elaphus bones were collected from three different stratigraphical levels, radiocarbon dated by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) method. The bone fragments of four specimens of red deer were used for the DNA isolation and analysis. The mtDNA (Cytochome b) was successfully isolated from three bone fragments and the cytochrome b sequences were amplified by multiplex PCR. The sequences obtained so far allowed for the reconstruction of only preliminary phylogenetic trees. A fragment of metatarsus from level dated to ca. 48,500±2,000 years BP, yielded a sequence of 513 bp, allowing to locate the specimen on the phylogenetic tree within modern C. elaphus specimens from southern and middle Europe. The second bone fragment, a fragment of mandible, collected from level dated approximately to ca. 33,500±400 years BP, yielded a sequence (696 bp) locating this specimen much closer to the modern C. elaphus specimens from China and Far East. From the third bone fragment (metatarsus), dated between ca. 12,000 years BP and 30,000 years BP, the sequence of only 346 bp has been obtained. It locates this specimen between European and Asiatic haplogroups. The preliminary results of analysis of the DNA from Crimean C. elaphus fossils reveal the great genetic heterogeneity and a complex phylogeographical pattern of the material studied. The obtained results support the opinion that Crimean Peninsula was the most north-eastern refugium in Europe during Late Pleistocene playing a major role in recolonization and dispersal processes of temperate species during and after the Late Pleistocene in this part of the Euro-Asian continent.
Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej, 2015
Surgical and endovascular revascularization of ischemic legs in patients with peripheral arterial... more Surgical and endovascular revascularization of ischemic legs in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can damage the arterial wall (endothelial and smooth muscle cells). Hemostatic factors released during endothelial dysfunction can lead to restenosis. 1. Determination of selected endothelial hemostatic factors in PAD patients and a reference group. 2. Prospective observation of new restenosis appearance in PAD patients after endovascular revascularization. 3. Comparison of selected endothelial hemostatic factors between non-restenotic and restenotic PAD patients. 150 PAD patients after endovascular revascularization - 90 men and 60 women, aged 44-88 (mean 65.5) years - were examined. During one-year observation after the revascularization procedures in 38 PAD patients restenosis occurred, when blood samples were also collected. The reference group consisted of 53 healthy persons - 44 men and 9 women, aged 20-56 years. Blood was drawn in the morning into 3.2% sodium citrate at a ratio of 9:1. Tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombomodulin (TM), von Willebrand factor (vWF) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) were measured in plasma with commercial tests using the enzyme immunoassay. In the plasma of PAD patients after revascularization, the concentrations of TF and vWF were significantly higher, TM lower, TFPI and t-PA similar compared to the reference group. Six months after revascularization the level of TF had increased and vWF had significantly decreased. The endothelial hemostatic factors before and after restenosis did not significantly differ except TF, which after restenosis was higher. Increased TF and vWF levels in PAD patients indicate arterial endothelial cell damage, by atherosclerotic and revascularization processes. In PAD patients with restenosis compared to these patients before restenosis the determined endothelial hemostatic factors, except TF level, did not significantly differ. Perhaps TF participates in restenosis formation.
Quaternary International, 2014
ABSTRACT A unique record of faunal changes from the late Middle Pleistocene until the end of the ... more ABSTRACT A unique record of faunal changes from the late Middle Pleistocene until the end of the late Pleistocene was provided by rodent assemblages from Biśnik Cave in Poland. The 17 rodent assemblages, of different qualitative and quantitative composition, included a total of 25 species of various ecological requirements and associated with five types of climate, represented by over 8500 individuals. For biostratigraphic analysis, the following indices were used: the ratio of enamel thickness on anterior and posterior edges of tooth loops in the genus Arvicola (SDQ), and morphological teeth changeability of Microtus oeconomus and Dicrostonyx. All three biostratigraphic methods are consistent, and made it possible to determine the stratigraphic position of the rodent assemblages. The layers from 19 to 14 were deposited in Middle Pleistocene, and the layers from 13 to 1 were deposited in the Late Pleistocene. The layers 14 and 13 constitute the border between the Middle and Late Pleistocene. Climatic and environmental conditions (temperature and humidity, duration of vegetation season) during the deposition were reconstructed, based on the assemblages representing the late Middle Pleistocene (layers 19–14; MIS 7-6), the Eemian interglacial (layers 14, 13; MIS 5e), and the Vistulian (Weichselian) glaciation (layers 12–1; MIS 5d-2). The analysis of bioclimatic indices made it possible to determine the most probable climate during the deposition of the respective assemblages. The environmental preferences allowed reconstruction of the prevailing biomes in the environments of Biśnik Cave. The results of quantitative bioclimatic analysis indicate that the deposition of same of the assemblages may be associated with cold temperature climate. The values of 11 climatic indices show the oscillations of two types of climate, temperate and boreal, with oceanic and continental influence. Reconstruction values of 11 climatic parameters shows an interesting pattern of relative stability in almost all the climatic parameters. Only drought length shows a remarkable change across Middle and Late Pleistocene sediment sequences from Biśnik Cave.
Since that time, after several seasons of excavation and laboratory work our knowledge about the ... more Since that time, after several seasons of excavation and laboratory work our knowledge about the site expanded significantly. It is reflected by example by the partial redefinition of the stratigraphy and dating, which basically locate the discovered Neanderthal layers (D1, D2 and D3) inside the MIS-3 stage, not MIS-5 as it was preliminary suggested in this publication.
Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 2015
In patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) a hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic compl... more In patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) a hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic complications occur. Revascularization procedures increase this state, sometimes leading to restenosis. Restenosis following balloon angioplasty (PTA)and stent implantation is ≥ 50% of artery stenosis. To determine the concentration of tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes, fibrinogen and D-dimers in the blood of patients with PAD after peripheral endovascular revascularization of the lower legs and in PAD patients with restenosis. The study included 150 patients with PAD, 90 men and 60 women, aged 44-88 (mean 65.5) years, after successful peripheral angioplasty (PTA) and/or with stenting. During the 6 months after the revascularization procedures, restenosis occurred in 27 patients. The reference group consisted of 53 healthy persons (44 men and 9 women, aged 20-56 years). Blood was drawn in the morning into 3.2% natrium citrate at a ratio of 9 : 1. The concentration of TF, TFPI, TAT complexes and D-dimers were measured in plasma with commercial tests using an enzyme immunoassay. Fibrinogen was determined with coagulometer. In the plasma of patients with PAD after endovascular revascularization, the concentrations of TF, TAT complexes, fibrinogen and D-dimers were significantly higher compared to the reference group. During the six months of observation, 27 patients developed restenosis. The results of hemostatic factors in patients with restenosis were compared with the same patients before restenosis and the group of 123 PAD patients after endovascular revascularization. TF and fibrinogen levels in the 27 patients with restenosis were significantly higher than in the group of PAD patients before restenosis. Statistically significantly higher levels of tissue factor (TF) and fibrinogen in PAD patients with new restenosis, compared to those without restenosis after endovascular revascularization, indicate they can participate in the formation of restenosis.
Quaternary International, 2014
Available online xxx a b s t r a c t Abundant and stratigraphically well positioned fossil materi... more Available online xxx a b s t r a c t Abundant and stratigraphically well positioned fossil material of two small mustelids, stoat and weasel, from Bi snik Cave was studied to investigate size variation. Size was found to be correlated with temperature: during cold periods individuals of both species were smaller than during warm periods. The weasel measurements varied much more, compared to the stoat. Weasel males varied more than females. The largest weasel individuals came from the late Middle Pleistocene layers of Bi snik Cave, while the smallest, dwarf specimens were typical of the cold periods of the last glaciation.
… 2010, held 2-7 May …, 2010
The Late Pleistocene has been a period of significant population and species turnover and extinct... more The Late Pleistocene has been a period of significant population and species turnover and extinctions among the large mammal fauna. Massive climatic and environmental changes during Pleistocene significantly influenced the distribution and ...