Critical issues in European Quaternary Biostratigraphy

The papers presented here form the Special Issue of Quaternary Science Revi ews on European Quaternary Biostratigraphy. New and testable frameworks for the subdivision of Pleistocene time are proposed, based upon the evidence from three fossil groups that have a long history of biostratigraphical app lication in Europe, namely pollen. molluscs and mammals. In addition, the p otential biostratigraphical value of beetles, chironomids. ostracods and te state amoebae is explored, The diverse lines of fossil evidence are consist ent with a more complex chronology than previously envisaged for the Pleist ocene and underline the need for future multiproxy studies, underpinned by a sound lithostratigraphy and consistent numerical dating. (C) 2001 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.