THE DISAPPEARANCE OF PICEA AT THE END OF UPPER PLEISTOCENE IN THE BASQUE-CANTABRIAN REGION - CLIMATIC AND ANTHROPOGENIC FACTORS

Charcoal analysis from archaeological sites in Cantabrian region (Nort h of Spain) has yielded evidence of Picea charcoal in Late-Wurmian sed iments. Taking into account the behaviour of this taxon in Quaternary climatic cycles, data suggest the presence of small localities of low- density populations near each catchment area of prehistoric settlement s. The different function of each site and hunter-gatherers' logistica l moves closer to the economic resources are responsible for the prese nce or absence of Picea, and for the disappearence of its last relictu al localities.