Researchers from Aarhus University have challenged the long-standing view that Europe was mostly a dense, continuous forest when early modern humans arrived. The findings, published in Science Developments, reveal a landscape that was surprisingly mixed, with substantial open areas and a mosaic of habitats that supported a variety of plants and animals.
By analyzing ancient pollen preserved in soils, the team reconstructed the vegetation patterns that dominated Europe more than 100,000 years ago. Their results show that about half to three-quarters of the land consisted of open environments dominated by low-growing plant life, including hazelnuts. These shrubs would not thrive in dense forests, yet their abundant pollen suggests a far more diverse and patchy ecosystem than previously imagined.
The presence of these open spaces is linked to the activity of large mammals that roamed the continent during that era, such as bison, horses, elephants, and rhinos. These giants fed heavily on vegetation, limiting tree growth and creating gaps that allowed a broader mix of plant communities to flourish. While climate-driven floods and fires also shaped the landscape, scientists regard their role as secondary to the impact of megafauna on vegetation patterns.
The researchers note that these findings could prompt revisions to many textbooks, which traditionally described early European environments as forests gradually shaped by human activity, swamps draining, and barren lands being cleared for cultivation. The study underscores the need to consider the ecological influence of large animals when interpreting past landscapes and biodiversity.
One of the key takeaways is the relationship between megafauna and biodiversity. The team argues that natural areas lacking large herbivores might become densely vegetated, limiting opportunities for many plant and insect species. Reintroducing large animals into ecosystems could be a strategy to bolster biodiversity conservation, helping maintain diverse habitats necessary for butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
These insights also connect to broader discussions about how ecosystems recover from or adapt to significant changes in climate and human influence. The evidence suggests that European biodiversity depended not just on climate or soil, but on the presence of iconic large mammals that shaped vegetation structure over tens of thousands of years. As researchers continue to refine paleoenvironmental reconstructions, the new perspective adds depth to our understanding of Europe’s ancient landscapes.
In related research, scholars are exploring how micro-scale environmental factors interact with large-scale patterns to influence weather and climate processes. The evolving picture highlights the intricate balance between living systems and physical forces that have shaped the planet over geological time. These conversations remind readers that today’s ecosystems are the product of long histories of interaction among plants, animals, fire, and climate.
Overall, the study from Aarhus University emphasizes the value of looking beyond simple forest-versus-nonforest narratives when examining past environments. It invites a more nuanced view of Europe’s prehistory and reinforces the importance of safeguarding megafauna as a component of healthy, resilient ecosystems. (Science Developments)