Did Human Dispersal into Europe Cause the Continent-Wide Extinction of the Pig <i>Sus strozzii</i> at 1.8 Ma?—Review of a Debate
For many years, the temporal distribution of pigs in the Pleistocene of Europe drew little attention. This changed when, what became known as, the “suid gap” hypo-thesis was published. Subsequent publications added elements to this hypothesis, while others questioned the hypothesis and even the exis...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Quaternary |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2571-550X/8/2/26 |
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| Summary: | For many years, the temporal distribution of pigs in the Pleistocene of Europe drew little attention. This changed when, what became known as, the “suid gap” hypo-thesis was published. Subsequent publications added elements to this hypothesis, while others questioned the hypothesis and even the existence of a “suid gap”. In its most complete form the hypothesis consists of a chain of arguments: (1) pigs are r-selected (a life history trait), (2) therefore fossils of their deciduous teeth are particularly abundant, (3) because being r-selected, pigs are abundant, (4) sites without pig fossils are sure indicators of their absence, (5) at 1.8 Ma, humans dispersed into Europe driving <i>Sus strozzii</i> to extinction in all the continent by competitive displacement, but not in the Middle East, (6) around 1.2 Ma pigs appeared again in Europe, either <i>Sus strozzii</i>, coming from the Middle East, or another species. The proposed link between human and pig ecology increased the interest of this hypothesis. Recently parts of this hypothesis were questioned and a polemic arose. It is the aim of this paper to review the literature and arguments used in favour and against this “suid gap” hypothesis. The hypothesis is rejected, but the life history traits of pigs may prove to be of interest for comparison with humans. |
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| ISSN: | 2571-550X |