Krapina 1: a juvenile Neandertal from the early late Pleistocene of Croatia

The juvenile A Skull from Krapina, Croatia (Krapina 1) has been the subject of considerable debate since B. Skerlj first suggested that it might not be a Neandertal. Although widely known by its original designation, the Krapina A Skull was recatalogued, along with all of the Krapina hominids, in the 1980's (Radovcic, et al., [1988]. The Krapina Hominids: An Illustrated Catalog of Skeletal Collection. Zagreb; Mladost). It is now catalogued as Krapina 1 in the archives of the Hrvatski Prirodoslovni Muzej, Zagreb, Croatia. We present a detailed, morphometric analysis of this specimen, comparing it to other Krapina specimens, juvenile late Pleistocene hominids (including Neandertals), and subadult recent humans. This analysis demonstrates that Krapina 1 possesses morphological features that are primitive retentions; others that represent derived Neandertal specializations; and still others that are typical for all European late Pleistocene humans. Morphological features associated with the browridges are intermediate between Neandertal and early modern European form. Nevertheless, a thorough analysis of the morphology of this specimen, in ontogenetic and regional contexts, leads to the conclusion that it cannot be excluded from the Neandertal range of variation. We conclude that the most parsimonious explanation for this 130 ka specimen is that it should be regarded as a Neandertal.     

Metabolic syndrome in an island population of the eastern Adriatic coast of Croatia

The metabolic syndrome, an assemblage of risk factors, viz., obesity, dyslipidemia, carbohydrate intolerance, and hypertension, associated with development of cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 diabetes, has become a major public health problem in the developed countries. However, data on its prevalence in worldwide populations, particularly in non-industrialized societies is sparse. We report the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in an island population of the eastern Adriatic coast of Croatia, a distinctly homogenous population living in relative isolation with a traditional way of life style pattern. The participants consist of 381 unrelated individuals (136 males, 245 females) from the island of Hvar, age 19 and above. Hvar is among the most populated Croatian islands with a total population of 11,459 individuals according to the 1991 census. Metabolic syndrome was assessed following the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criteria, with the exception of using body mass index and waist hip ratio as the predictors of obesity. Overall age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome is 26% (32% in males and 24% in females) with body mass index, and 42% (57% in males and 36% in females) with waist hip ratio as the measures of obesity. Pairwise correlations of the age and sex-adjusted individual components show that with the exception of fasting plasma glucose, the other components of metabolic syndrome are significantly associated with each other, suggesting their co-morbidity. In spite of adherence to a relatively traditional life-style pattern together with a "Mediterranean diet" and rural habitat, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is substantially high in the population of Hvar. It is likely that factors other than nutritional practices, that might include genetic susceptibility, could potentially be important in predisposition to metabolic syndrome.     

Genetic variation at nine short tandem repeat loci among islanders of the eastern Adriatic coast of Croatia

We have analyzed the extent of genetic variation at nine autosomal short tandem repeat loci (D3S1358, VWA, FGA, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820) among six populations from Croatia: five distributed in the islands of the eastern Adriatic coast and one from the mainland. The purpose is to investigate the usefulness of these loci in detecting regional genetic differentiation in the studied populations. Significant heterogeneity among the island and mainland populations is revealed in the distributions of allele frequencies; however, the absolute magnitude of the coefficient of gene differentiation is small but significant. The summary measures of genetic variation, namely, heterozygosity, number of alleles, and allele size variance, do not indicate reduced genetic variation in the island populations compared to the mainland population. In contrast to the two measures of genetic variation, allele size variance and within-locus heterozygosity, the imbalance index (beta) indicates evidence of recent expansion of population sizes in all islands and in the mainland. High mutation rates of the studied loci together with local drift effects are likely explanations for interisland genetic variation and the observed lack of reduced genetic diversity among the island populations.     

Genetic epidemiological studies of eastern Adriatic Island isolates, Croatia: objective and strategies

In this paper, the authors discuss why isolate island populations represent a particularly helpful model for genetic epidemiological studies. A thorough previous anthropological research carried out in Eastern Adriatic island isolates, Croatia, in terms of ethnohistory, geography and current demography is reviewed. The major results of the studies of population genetic structure of those populations, including model-bound and model-free approaches, the analyses of serogenetic polymorphisms and most recent studies using HLA class II, VNTR and STR DNA polymorphisms, are briefly presented. The organization of health care on the islands is analyzed and some relevant details of specific medical problems and some autochtonous diseases in these island populations is noted. The authors present in outline four illustrative examples of research opportunities which are afforded by the unique circumstances found in these isolate communities. These relate to hereditary dwarfism on Krk island, Mal de Meleda on Mljet island, extreme inbreeding on Susak island and population genetics of cancer on the islands of Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Vis and Lastovo. Finally, the authors develop objectives and strategies for a long-term genetic epidemiological research of these populations and suggest that such a programme of investigation would further our understanding of the causes of (rare) diseases which are uniquely important to these communities but also of common diseases which are important contributors to the burden of disease both in these islands and throughout the world.     

Aeropalynological spectrum of Hatay,Turkey, the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea

An aeropalynological study during the years 2014–2015 was performed in Hatay, which is a unique sociocultural and phytogeographical area located on the border of Turkey and Syria on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean. The sampling was performed by a Hirst-type volumetric sampler (Lanzoni VPPS 2000), and pollen grains of 54 taxa were identified, of which 83.21% of the annual sum belonged to woody taxa. The highest pollen concentration was recorded in February, of which a large amount came from the Cupressaceae/Taxaceae families. The diversity of the pollen reflected the vegetation of the area and plantations of the city center, but pollen grains from Euro-Siberian elements specific to Mount Amanos could not be recorded. Pollen types found at more than 3% of the annual pollen index and considered dominant pollen types were as follows: Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (50.86%), Olea europaea (12.67%), Moraceae (7.20%), Poaceae (5.99%), Quercus (5.35%), Urticaceae (3.79%) and Pinus (3.70%); almost all dominant pollen types in the city atmosphere were previously stated to be allergic. The main pollen season starting dates of common pollen types found were one or two weeks earlier than those of the surroundings. Many statistically significant correlations were found between daily pollen concentrations and daily meteorological parameters, e.g., Cupressaceae/Taxaceae Poaceae and Urticaceae pollen correlated negatively with mean temperature in both years, and in the hindermost two families daily pollen amounts significantly correlated with wind speed in the second year. Daily Olea europaea pollen concentration showed a significant negative correlation with the amount of total daily rainfall in the second year.     

Integrative taxonomy of calcareous sponges (subclass Calcinea) from the Peruvian coast: morphology,molecules, and biogeography

Understanding of evolution and systematics of Calcarea (Porifera) have not yet met a corresponding increase in the knowledge of diversity and distribution of these sponges in several parts of the world. Peru is an emblematic example of this lack of taxonomic knowledge, as only three shallow‐water species of sponges have hitherto been reported from its 3000 km coast. With the aim of studying sponges of Peru, an integrative taxonomy approach (morphology, molecules, and biogeography) was used in order to achieve sound species identifications. The first findings of Peruvian calcareous sponges are presented here. Eight species are described in the subclass Calcinea, of which five are new to science. The retrieved biogeographical patterns are either locally endemic, widespread, or discontinuous over large areas. Clathrina antofagastensis was previously known from Chile, while C. aurea and Ernstia tetractina had been reported from the Atlantic (Brazil), and thus represent the first genetically confirmed tropical amphi‐American distributions of species not yet found on both sides of the Isthmus of Panama. Our results reveal a richer Tropical East Pacific sponge fauna than the Warm Temperate South‐Eastern Pacific one. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London     

People of the ancient rainforest: late Pleistocene foragers at the Batadomba-lena rockshelter, Sri Lanka

Batadomba-lena, a rockshelter in the rainforest of southwestern Sri Lanka, has yielded some of the earliest evidence of Homo sapiens in South Asia. H. sapiens foragers were present at Batadomba-lena from ca. 36,000 cal BP to the terminal Pleistocene and Holocene. Human occupation was sporadic before the global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Batadomba-lena’s Late Pleistocene inhabitants foraged for a broad spectrum of plant and mainly arboreal animal resources (monkeys, squirrels and abundant rainforest snails), derived from a landscape that retained equatorial rainforest cover through periods of pronounced regional aridity during the LGM. Juxtaposed hearths, palaeofloors with habitation debris, postholes, excavated pits, and animal and plant remains, including abundant Canarium nutshells, reflect intensive habitation of the rockshelter in times of monsoon intensification and biome reorganisation after ca. 16,000 cal BP. This period corresponds with further broadening of the economic spectrum, evidenced though increased contribution of squirrels, freshwater snails and Canarium nuts in the diet of the rockshelter occupants. Microliths are more abundant and morphologically diverse in the earliest, pre-LGM layer and decline markedly during intensified rockshelter use on the wane of the LGM. We propose that changing toolkits and subsistence base reflect changing foraging practices, from shorter-lived visits of highly mobile foraging bands in the period before the LGM, to intensified use of Batadomba-lena and intense foraging for diverse resources around the site during and, especially, following the LGM. Traces of ochre, marine shell beads and other objects from an 80 km-distant shore, and, possibly burials reflect symbolic practices from the outset of human presence at the rockshelter. Evidence for differentiated use of space (individual hearths, possible habitation structures) is present in LGM and terminal Pleistocene layers. The record of Batadomba-lena demonstrates that Late Pleistocene pathways to (aspects of) behavioural ‘modernity’ (composite tools, practice of symbolism and ritual, broad spectrum economy) were diverse and ecologically contingent.     

Diversity,ecology, and seasonality of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in eastern Croatia

The diversity of hard tick fauna was studied in different forest communities in 48 localities of eastern Croatia using the dragging‐flagging method and by hand from ten different vertebrate hosts. A total of 2,225 specimens comprising seven species in three genera were identified. Ixodes ricinus, the most abundant species (72.8% of all collected specimens) was recorded in 44 localities, followed by Dermacentor reticulatus in 19 localities, while the other five species (D. marginatus, H. concinna, H. inermis, I. canisuga, and I. hexagonus) were recorded in fewer localities. The highest ratio (67% of collected ticks) was in the adult stage with the predominance of females. The numbers of collected females, males, and nymphs of I. ricinus and H. concinna differed significantly. Ten new tick‐host associations in Croatia were recorded. Fifty‐three animals were infested with one tick species. Single species infestation with I. ricinus was found in 45.8% of animals, followed by D. reticulatus with 25.4%, D. marginatus with 10.2%, H. inermis and I. hexagonus with 3.4%, and I. canisuga with 1.7%. Coinfestation with two species of ticks were recorded in six animals. Ixodes ricinus, H. inermis, and D. reticulatus showed bimodal seasonal activity; for other species unimodal activity patterns were recorded.     

Age, growth and mortality of painted comber, Serranus scriba (Linnaeus, 1758), in the Trogir Bay area (eastern mid-Adriatic)

Population dynamics of 1482 specimens of painted comber, Serranus scriba (Linnaeus, 1758), caught in the Trogir Bay area (eastern mid‐Adriatic) from June 2001 to May 2002 were studied to provide information on age, growth, length–weight relationship, mortality and exploitation rate of the species’ stock. Annuli on otholiths indicated the presence of seven age‐classes. Obtained von Bertalanffy growth parameters were: L_∞ = 30.36 cm, K = 0.192 year^?1 and t₀ = ?0.366.     

Quantitative biochronology of Pliocene and early Pleistocene calcareous nannofossils from the Atlantic,Indian and Pacific oceans

Semi-quantitative methods have been used to refine the precision with which Pliocene and early Pleistocene nannofossil datums may be applied for biostratigraphic purposes. Using these methods, the datums may be applied with a precision of between 0.01 m.y. (e.g.Calcidiscus macintyrei andDiscoaster brouweri) and 0.2 m.y. (e.g.Discoaster asymmetricus). The age of each datum is estimated by interpolation between magnetic reversals, so that the uncertainty in each age estimate is a function of proximity to the nearest reversal as well as of uncertainties in the reversal chronology but is probably better than 0.1 m.y. for all the datums studied here.The following ages are estimated for biostratigraphically useful datums: LADHelicosphaera sellii, 1.37 Ma (diachronous; earlier outside the equatorial zone); LADCalcidiscus macintyrei, 1.45 Ma; LADDiscoaster brouweri, 1.88 Ma; LADDiscoaster asymmetricus, 2.2 Ma; LAD DisDiscoaster pentaradiatus, 2.35 Ma; LADDiscoaster surculus, 2.41 Ma; LADDiscoaster tamalis, 2.65 Ma; LADDiscoaster variabilis, 2.90 Ma; LADSphenolithus spp., 3.45 Ma; LADReticulofenestra pseudoumbilica, 3.56 Ma; LADAmaurolithus delicatus, 3.66 Ma; FADCeratolithus rugosus, 4.62 Ma.The final 0.15 m.y. of the range ofDiscoaster brouweri is characterised by a high (about 20%) proportion of the triradiate form, which is a useful pointer for the extinction of this species even in the presence of considerable reworking.     

Allometric growth, disturbance regime, and dilemmas of controlling invasive plants: a model analysis

Disturbed communities are observed to be more susceptible to invasion by exotic species, suggesting that some attributes of the invaders may interact with disturbance regime to facilitate invasion success. Alternanthera philoxeroides, endemic to South America, is an amphibious clonal weed invading worldwide. It tends to colonize disturbed habitats such as riparian zones, floodplain wetlands and agricultural areas. We developed an analytical model to explore the interactive effects of two types of physical disturbances, shoot mowing and root fragmentation, on biomass production dynamics of A. philoxeroides. The model is based on two major biological assumptions: (1) allometric growth of root (belowground) vs. shoot (aboveground) biomass and (2) exponential regrowth of shoot biomass after mowing. The model analysis revealed that the interaction among allometric growth pattern, shoot mowing frequency and root fragmentation intensity might lead to diverse plant ‘fates’. For A. philoxeroides whose root allocation decreases with growing plant size, control by shoot mowing was faced with two dilemmas. (1) Shoot regrowth can be effectively suppressed by frequent mowing. However, frequent shoot mowing led to higher biomass allocation to thick storage roots, which enhanced the potential for faster future plant growth. (2) In the context of periodic shoot mowing, individual shoot biomass converged to a stable equilibrium value which was independent of the root fragmentation intensity. However, root fragmentation resulted in higher equilibrium population shoot biomass and higher frequency of shoot mowing required for effective control. In conclusion, the interaction between allometric growth and physical disturbances may partially account for the successful invasion of A. philoxeroides; improper mechanical control practices could function as disturbances and result in exacerbated invasion.     

Current research on the late Pliocene and Pleistocene deposits north of Homa Mountain, southwestern Kenya

The late Pliocene and Pleistocene sediments of the Homa Peninsula in southwestern Kenya are richly fossiliferous, preserve Early Stone Age archaeological traces and provide one of the few paleoanthropological data sets for the region between the branches of the East African Rift Valley. This paper presents preliminary results of our ongoing investigation of late Pliocene and Pleistocene deposits at the localities of Rawi, Kanam East, Kanam Central and Kanjera. While fossils have been collected from the peninsula since 1911, little systematic effort has been made to place them into a broader litho-and chronostratigraphic framework. This project has conclusively demonstrated that fossils occur in good stratigraphic context at all of the study localities and that claims of sediment slumping (Boswell, 1935) have been greatly overstated (Behrensmeyer et al., 1995; Plummer & Potts, 1989). A provisional chronostratigraphic framework based on magneto- and biostratigraphy is presented here. We have revised the Plio-Pleistocene stratigraphy of the Rawi and Kanam gullies to include three formations: the Rawi, Abundu and Kasibos Formations. Based on magneto- and biostratigraphy, these formations are dated between approximately three and one m.y.a. (Gauss Chron-Jaramillo Subchron) (Cande & Kent, 1995). The Apoko Formation unconformably overlies the others and may be middle to late Pleistocene in age. All formations contain rich patches of fossils, and Acheulean artifacts have been surface collected from the Abundu and Kasibos Formations. Deposition of the fossil- and artefact-bearing sediments at Kanjera North began in the early Pleistocene and continued into the middle Pleistocene. Deposition at Kanjera South began over one million years earlier than previously thought, at approximately 2.2 m.y.a., and continued into the Olduvai Subchron (1.770-1.950 m.y.a.; Cande & Kent, 1995). Excavations have recovered Oldowan artefacts in association with well-preserved fossil fauna near the base of the sequence, the oldest archaeological traces yet known from southwestern Kenya.     

Latest Pleistocene—Holocene paleoceanographic trends on the continental margin of eastern Canada: Foraminiferal,dinoflagellate and pollen evidence

Micropaleontological studies were made of cores from four shelf basins on the eastern Canadian Margin: Emerald and Canso basins on the Scotian Shelf (44°–46° N), Notre Dame Channel, Newfoundland Shelf (50° N) and Cartwright Saddle, Labrador Shelf (55°). Events were correlated using a combination of¹⁴C dates and pollen stratigraphies. Surface- and bottom-water changes were compared on the basis of dinoflagellates and benthic foraminifera, respectively. The results indicate significant paleoceanographic shifts along a north—south gradient both prior to and during the Holocene.Distinct Late Pleistocene—Holocene paleoceanographic events were distinguished in the Emerald, Canso and Notre Dame basins; these events are less obvious in Cartwright Saddle which is in deeper water and further off-shore. Pleistocene glaciomarine sediments in all basins contain a fauna dominated byElphidium excavatum f.clavata; dinoflagellates and pollen are rare or absent. The widespreadElphidium fauna probably reflects turbid glacial meltwater and/or a permanent ice shelf cover from 20,000-10,000 yrs BP. The Notre Dame core also penetrates older sediment with an outer Labrador Current fauna which may represent a late Wisconsinian interstade at about 23,000 yrs BP. From 7,000–10,000 yrs BP a cold water fauna occurred which is similar to modern outer Labrador Current faunas. From about 5000–7000 yrs BP, a warm interval is indicated by a relatively warm-water calcareous benthonic foraminiferal fauna and increased representation of typical Gulf Stream dinoflagellates. The most recent change occurred in the last 2000 years with an abrupt cooling associated with stronger flow of the arctic inner Labrador Current. This cooling event is marked by an increase in arctic dinoflagellates and by an exclusively agglutinated benthonic foraminiferal fauna at two sites (Canso and Notre Dame). These Holocene paleoceanographic changes are not clearly seen in the benthic fauna of the deep northern basin (Cartwright Saddle) although dinoflagellate data at this site indicate that surface-water changes have occurred that are similar to those found in shallower basins.Shifts in the zonal position of the Gulf Stream and changes in the relative mass transports of the West Greenland and Labrador currents are mechanisms which may account for the paleoceanographic events. The glacial—interstadial—glacial sequence recorded in the Notre Dame Channel, in conjunction with other theories on glacial triggering mechanisms, provides biostratigraphic evidence which suggests the onset of a glacial stage in the near future.     

Human influence on distribution and extinctions of the late Pleistocene Eurasian megafauna

Late Pleistocene extinctions are of interest to paleontological and anthropological research. In North America and Australia, human occupation occurred during a short period of time and overexploitation may have led to the extinction of mammalian megafauna. In northern Eurasia megafaunal extinctions are believed to have occurred over a relatively longer period of time, perhaps as a result of changing environmental conditions, but the picture is much less clear. To consider megafaunal extinction in Eurasia, we compare differences in the geographical distribution and commonness of extinct and extant species between paleontological and archaeological localities from the late middle Pleistocene to Holocene. Purely paleontological localities, as well as most extinct species, were distributed north of archaeological sites and of the extant species, suggesting that apart from possible differences in adaptations between humans and other species, humans could also have a detrimental effect on large mammal distribution. However, evidence for human overexploitation applies only to the extinct steppe bison Bison priscus. Other human-preferred species survive into the Holocene, including Rangifer tarandus, Equus ferus, Capreolus capreolus, Cervus elaphus, Equus hemionus, Saiga tatarica, and Sus scrofa. Mammuthus primigenius and Megaloceros giganteus were rare in archaeological sites. Carnivores appear little influenced by human presence, although they become rarer in Holocene archaeological sites. Overall, the data are consistent with the conclusion that humans acted as efficient hunters selecting for the most abundant species. Our study supports the idea that the late Pleistocene extinctions were environmentally driven by climatic changes that triggered habitat fragmentation, species range reduction, and population decrease, after which human interference either by direct hunting or via indirect activities probably became critical.     

江苏盐城滨海地区风机对鸟类的影响

近年来我国风力发电发展迅速, 已有研究发现风电工程会对鸟类多样性产生不同程度的影响。然而, 过去的研究多以区域内鸟类常规调查为主, 未直接对风机致死鸟类进行长期系统的调查监测, 也未进一步探究风机致死可能的方式和原因, 从而难以根据风机致死鸟类的实际情况提出有针对性的防范措施和应对方法。本文以江苏盐城滨海地区风电场为例, 基于2020年10月至2021年9月共22次连续的调查监测, 应用尸体搜索法调查了研究区域内风机致死鸟类的情况。结果表明: (1)风机下发现的死亡鸟类有8目10科12种, 死亡鸟类主要为留鸟或已在研究区域内繁殖的种类, 占死亡鸟类种类的66.7%; (2)风机下共发现死亡鸟类41只, 环颈雉(Phasianus colchicus)死亡数量最多, 有19只, 大部分位于农田及农田防护林中; 夜鹭(Nycticorax nycticorax)和白鹭(Egretta garzetta)死亡数量也较多, 共11只, 主要位于鱼塘中; (3)通过对风机下死亡鸟类的情况分析发现, 在风机基座比风机扇叶造成的碰撞致死情况多。最后, 本文提出了减缓风机对鸟类影响的措施和建议, 包括持续开展鸟类监测, 及时开展风机下生境的治理, 加强鸟类相关驱避技术装备研发等, 为我国风电与生态环境保护之间的协调发展提供参考。     

Reproductive ecology of Japanese anchovy off the Pacific coast of eastern Honshu, Japan

Spawning frequency of offshore migrant populations of Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus ranged from 0·34 to 0·90, and was higher than that of inshore Japanese anchovy. In addition, spawning frequency of offshore populations varied in response to the sex ratio. They spawned at water temperatures of 5.0, 8.6 and 12.6° C, indicating that the minimum critical water temperature of offshore Japanese anchovy was considerably lower than that of inshore populations. A significant positive relationship was observed between water temperature and relative batch fecundity of offshore Japanese anchovy. Furthermore, water temperature was negatively related to egg size, suggesting a trade-o. between relative batch fecundity and egg size for offshore fish. At the same water temperature, relative batch fecundity of offshore populations was higher than that of inshore ones. The comparison of spawning frequency and relative batch fecundity suggests that offshore Japanese anchovy represent a reproductive ecology by which they spawn more eggs than inshore Japanese anchovy within a certain time period.     

Cancer incidence in eastern Adriatic isolates, Croatia: examples from the islands of Krk, Cres, Losinj, Rab and Pag

As an extension of previous research this study investigates the incidence of cancer in five genetic isolate island populations of the Eastern Adriatic, Croatia. Thorough anthropological research over the past three decades has established some of those populations as outstanding examples of genetic isolates. A previous study which found higher cancer incidence in 5 Eastern Adriatic islands than in a control population supported a hypothesis that among the founders of these populations there were genetic variants (especially with recessive inheritance) responsible for genetic susceptibility to certain types of cancer. This study sought to investigate cancer incidence in 5 further island populations. All cancer cases in five island populations (Krk, Cres, Losinj, Rab and Pag) over the 20-year period (1971 to 1990) was extracted from the data of the Croatian Cancer Registry. The mainland populations of Istrian and Primorsko-Goranska County, characterized by similar environmental factors but an outbred genetic structure, represented a control population. After standardization by by sex and age, cancer incidence was higher in the island populations than in the control population in both sexes. The cancer sites primarily responsible for the excess incidence were prostate, stomach and pancreatic cancer in males, and ovarian, breast, stomach, bowel, and brain cancer in females. The reasons for the increased cancer incidence are uncertain and may be due to different environmental exposure between the two populations. However, it is possible that genetic isolation and inbreeding are important factors. Further investigations of cancer in these isolate populations are warranted to explore these findings further.     

Impact of date mussel harvesting on the rocky bottom structural complexity along the Istrian coast (Northern Adriatic, Croatia)

A survey of 50 km of the coast, including islands, rocks and offshore shallows, in the region of Rovinj (North Adriatic, Croatia) showed that the harvesting of the European date mussel Lithophaga lithophaga (L., 1758) is restricted to inclined, approximately vertical, surfaces. Usually, a stratum of rock, varying from several to about ten cm is removed by hammering, resulting in the complete eradication of sessile organisms. The damage was heavily widespread up to 6 m depth (47% of the total inclined surfaces for the whole area). Between 6 and 14 m depth, the damage was much less (14% from 6 to 10 and 7% from 10 to 14 m depth); below this depth, no damage was observed. The damage patterns coupled with the date mussel distribution, which was constrained by the nature of the substratum (limestone or dolomitic limestone), the general architecture of the rocky bottom and the depth. The structural complexity of inclined surfaces was quantified by 5 indices previously used in biota-substratum interaction studies. Heights of 11 pins placed 3 cm apart in a profile gauge were measured to determine the standard deviation of heights, the coefficient of variation of heights, the sum of squared heights, chain and tape ratio and circular variance of angles. Comparisons of these indices, among damaged and intact surfaces in different habitats and sites within habitats, showed a substantial decrease in complexity of the rocky substratum due date mussel harvesting. Thus, this human disturbance can permanently affect rocky shallow water communities as physical features of the substratum may exert strong effects on species.