[1] The Nd isotope composition of conodonts is used for the first time as a paleoceanographic proxy to reconstruct seawater circulation. Conodonts from two stratigraphic levels in the eastern Anti-Atlas, the lower part of the Frasnian Zone 11 (base of the Kellwasser facies) and the boundary interval of the Uppermost crepida/rhomboidea zones (top of the Kellwasser facies), were selected for reconstruction of seawater circulation on the Moroccan shelf of Gondwana during Late Devonian times. The recognized lateral variations in e Nd values are in very good agreement with current-related sedimentary features. They provide evidence for communication of the Moroccan shelf with the Rheic Ocean to the southwest and with the Variscan Sea to the north. In the Frasnian, the general seawater flow was directed from the southwest to the east and was influenced by a local riverine input of low radiogenic Nd from the south (the West African Craton and/or the Pan-African Ougarta Belt) and from the northwest (the Precambrian basement of the Anti-Atlas). The combined set of Nd isotopic records and directional data from the middle Famennian reveals a circulation pattern different from that of the Frasnian. It was dominated by a general westward flow with a countercurrent in the central Tafilalt area. The establishment of a new circulation system during the Famennian suggests essential changes in paleogeography of the western part of the Variscan realm.

We present the first comprehensive multi-isotopic data on human and animal remains from the Final Neolithic Corded Ware culture (ca. 2900–2300 cal. BC) in south-eastern Poland. The study focused on communities of two settlement areas located in the Małopolska Upland and in the Subcarpathian region. Carbon and nitrogen isotopes of bone collagen were investigated to obtain insights into human dietary preferences, whereas the strontium isotope composition of human tooth enamel was used to trace the mobility and provenance of individuals. Sr isotope data point to a non-local origin of at least one-quarter of the investigated individuals in the Subcarpathian region, consistent with associated allochthonous grave inventories of eastern or western origins. In contrast, all investigated individuals in the Małopolska Upland were of local origin. Furthermore, our study shows an example that the use of fauna for the assessment of the local 87Sr/86Sr range of an archaeological site can lead to incorrect conclusions and suggests that a detailed Sr isotopic survey of the geological background and its hydrologic elements is necessary to provide conclusive constraints for the identification of local and non-local individuals in prehistoric communities. Carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of bone collagen indicate an omnivorous diet that included C3-based terrestrial plant and animal resources, in which plant food dominated. In both regions, there were no significant sex differences in dietary intakes. Higher δ15Ncoll values of younger infants presumably reflect the effect of weaning.

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During the Final Eneolithic the Corded Ware Complex (CWC) emerges, chiefly identified by its specific burial rites. This complex spanned most of central Europe and exhibits demographic and cultural associations to the Yamnaya culture. To study the genetic structure and kin relations in CWC communities, we sequenced the genomes of 19 individuals located in the heartland of the CWC complex region, southeastern Poland. Whole genome sequence and strontium isotope data allowed us to investigate genetic ancestry, admixture, kinship and mobility. The analysis showed a unique pattern, not detected in other parts of poland; maternally the individuals are linked to earlier neolithic lineages, whereas on the paternal side a Steppe ancestry is clearly visible. We identified three cases of kinship. Of these two were between individuals buried in double graves. Interestingly, we identified kinship between a local and a non-local individual thus discovering a novel, previously unknown burial custom.