Human adaptation to past climate changes in the northern Pontic steppe

The northern Pontic steppe in the southern part of Eastern Europe has reacted to climate changes. It is characterized by a historically constant moisture deficiency, and is an advantageous area for study of diverse types of human adaptation to climate changes. Two main types of such adaptations, which occurred during the 6th-1st millennium BC, have been distinguished. The first is connected with the early historical migrations, and the second with changes in the economy of local steppe populations. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.