A new mathematical approach to model trophic dynamics of mammalian palaeocommunities. The case of Atapuerca-TD6

Abstract

Mathematical modelling of palaeocommunity trophic dynamics is a useful tool for investigating food resource availability and intraguild competition. We present a mathematical model based on Leslie Matrix that provides estimations of the maximum and minimum available resources for secondary consumers. We present the application of this model to the study of the macromammal community from Atapuerca TD6 (late Early Pleistocene). Our results support the interpretation of a rich ecosystem at Atapuerca at the end of the Early Pleistocene that reflect a level of secondary production sufficient to maintain a well diversified guild of secondary consumers including a human population.