CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 1Pleistocene-Era Hominins and ArchaeologyArchaeological Research and ProtectionArchaeological and Geological Studies

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 34 of the 34 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; 15 of the 82 sources its claims cite were checked for support.

Tracing Neanderthal mobility through the Romanian Carpathians: A GIS-based least-cost connectivity model

Open access
Murătoreanu, George, Cosac, Marian·2025·PLOS One
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0334149PMC PMC12513586
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

Out of the 12,300 known caves within the Romanian Carpathian and Dobrudja mountain area, only 16 have been the focus of consistent archaeological researches which revealed traces of human activity (lithic artefacts, faunal material, combustion areas), roughly consistent with a Middle Palaeolithic technological and/or chronological background. Establishing natural areas connected in terms of accessibility to these caves may offer a different perspective for future researches and, above all, may increase the chances of discovering new caves with traces of human activity. The present study aims to integrate advanced spatial analysis methods, such as Linkage Mapper and Circuitscape, to assess the potential connectivity of these sites. The two models were developed by researchers in the field of biology and belong to the field of deterministic spatial modeling and algorithm-based geospatial analysis. Following the application of these models, we identified the areas of influence of the 16 caves, determined the least-cost paths between them and the main natural obstacles, in order to model spatial connectivity and identify new possible sites along these routes.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

The paper applies Linkage Mapper and Circuitscape to model least-cost connectivity among 16 Middle Palaeolithic caves in the Romanian Carpathians. It identifies preferential mobility corridors and high-centrality sites, then intersects modeled corridors with karst areas to prioritize future archaeological prospecting.

Key findings

  • Of 12,300 known caves in the Romanian Carpathian/Dobrudja area, only 16 have consistent archaeological research revealing Middle Palaeolithic traces; these 16 caves define an 88,185 km² study area, 36% of Romania.
  • Linkage Mapper produced 40 links (80 round-trip) out of 120 possible unique cave pairs; average connections per cave was 5, ranging from 2 to 9. Peștereanu Cave had 9 connections, while Spurcată and Bordul Mare had 7, identifying them as likely hubs.
  • The easiest modeled link was Cioarei–Muierii (ratio 1.02; real path 59.9 km vs straight-line 58.2 km), and the most complex was Peștereanu–Muierii (ratio 1.38; real path 171.7 km vs straight-line 124.3 km).
  • Circuitscape high-flow areas (>0.02) concentrated around the Bran-Rucăr Corridor, Hațeg Depression, Jiu Valley, and to a lesser extent the Olt Valley; intersecting corridors with karst yielded 7.9 km² minimum-cost, 1,416.3 km² intermediate, and 933.2 km² peripheral priority areas, totaling 2,357 km² (~2.6% of the analyzed area).

Methods

  • The study modeled 16 caves with Middle Palaeolithic layers dated broadly to MIS 6–3 (~130,000–40,000 BP), using a cost raster built from altitude, slope, and distance from water, scored 1–3–6–10 and combined in ArcGIS 10.6.
  • Inputs included SRTM DEM at one arc second (~21×30 m), Copernicus-derived hydrography, and GPS/bibliographic cave locations; Linkage Mapper generated least-cost paths and corridors, while Circuitscape used circuit theory with an 8-neighbor (“queen’s case”) connection.
  • Corridor values were classified as 0–100, 100–5,000, and 5,000–10,000 cw-km, with truncation at 10,000; cumulative weighted distance rasters were limited to 100,000 cw-km, interpreted as roughly 25–70 km around sites.

Limitations

  • The paper states that modern topographic and hydrographic surfaces are used as a proxy for the landscape 40,000–60,000 years ago, so some modeled low-cost corridors may have been temporarily inaccessible and some unlikely routes may have been favored.
  • The paper states that no leave-one-out test was implemented, that corridor thresholds were established heuristically, and that paleoclimatic/paleoecological spatial layers for lithic resources or fauna could not be included.
  • Evident from the text: the caves are not considered contemporaneous in the strict sense, and the authors emphasize that modeled routes are potential accessibility networks and a heuristic tool, not actual mobility routes or direct metabolic energy/travel-time estimates.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1371/journal.pone.0334149

Cites

34 of 34 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

15 of 82 cited sources checked · 2 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    The level of knowledge of spatial relationships and mobility corridors in the Carpathian Middle Palaeolithic remains less developed than in Western Europe.

    “Despite the progress made in the research of Middle Paleolithic (hereafter, MP) sites in the Carpathians, the level of knowledge of spatial relationships and mobility corridors remains, in many respects, less developed than in Western European [15,16].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [15] J Richter, 2016, Leave at the height of the party: a critical review of the Middle Paleolithic in Western Central Europe from its beginnings to its rapid decline, Quat Int source

      The Discussion and conclusion says that some German provinces are more intensively researched than neighbouring regions and identifies reconstructing mobility within a territory as a future aim. It does not compare knowledge of spatial relationships or mobility corridors in the Carpathians with Western Europe; searches for that comparison found no passage addressing it. (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [16] O Jöris, 2022, The late and final middle palaeolithic of Central Europe and its contributions to the formation of the regional upper palaeolithic: a review and a synthesis, J Paleo Arch source

      The ‘Discontinuities in the Middle Palaeolithic of Central Europe’ section describes an incomplete archaeological record, while ‘Raw Material Procurement, Land Use and Mobility’ discusses evidence relevant to movement. Neither passage compares knowledge of Carpathian spatial relationships or mobility corridors with Western Europe; searches for that comparison found no such passage in our copy. Page numbers were unavailable. (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Circuit theory models spatial connectivity in contexts where individuals have limited but directed knowledge of the landscape.

    “This logic is compatible with the application of circuit theory [25], which models spatial connectivity in contexts where individuals have limited but directed knowledge of the landscape.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [25] BG Dickson, 2019, Circuit-theory applications to connectivity science and conservation, Conserv Biol source

      The Introduction says circuit theory is particularly appropriate when moving individuals have limited knowledge of the surrounding landscape. It describes the model as a random walk in which individuals have no knowledge of relative resistance beyond their immediate surroundings; it does not support the added characterization of their knowledge as directed. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Study design and conductcitation

    The 10,000 threshold is ecologically and methodologically justified by applying filters to maintain the interpretative relevance of the corridors.

    “This threshold is ecologically and methodologically justified [52], by applying filters to maintain the interpretative relevance of the corridors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [52] TR Etherington, 2016, Least-Cost modelling and landscape ecology: concepts, applications, and opportunities, Curr Landscape Ecol Rep source

      The Least-Cost Corridors section discusses the methodological challenge of delineating a corridor of suitable width, but it does not justify a 10,000 threshold or describe filters to preserve interpretative relevance. It says there is currently no consensus on how to delineate a suitable corridor width; no page number is available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    The recently researched sites in Vârghiș Gorges indicate a MIS 3 - MIS 4 chronology.

    “The recently researched sites in Vârghiș Gorges indicate a MIS 3 – MIS 4 chronology [28].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [28] C Schmidt, 2024, Evidence for the oldest Middle Palaeolithic cave occupation in the Romanian Carpathians, J Quat Sci source

      The Contextualization section describes the Vârghiș karst sites as spanning MIS 7–3, which includes MIS 3–4 but extends substantially earlier. The Integrated chronostratigraphy section likewise dates Abri 122/1200 from MIS 7 probably to MIS 3. The claim therefore gives an unduly narrow chronology for the sites. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    The caves used by Neanderthal communities were not just simple shelters but functional points in a complex network of mobility and resource exploitation.

    “These caves were not just simple shelters, but functional points in a complex network of mobility and resource exploitation [6–14].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim3 of 9 sources checked
    • cites [6] S Muller, 2008, The Neanderthals. Routledge source
    • cites [7] C Daujeard, 2012, Neanderthal subsistence strategies in Southeastern France between the plains of the Rhone Valley and the mid-mountains of the Massif Central (MIS 7 to MIS 3), Quat Int source
    • cites [8] M-H Moncel, 2019, Rocks, teeth, and tools: New insights into early Neanderthal mobility strategies in South-Eastern France from lithic reconstructions and strontium isotope analysis, PLoS One source
    • cites [9] L Zilio, 2021, Examining Neanderthal and carnivore occupations of Teixoneres Cave (Moià, Barcelona, Spain) using archaeostratigraphic and intra-site spatial analysis, Sci Rep source

      The Conclusions (page unavailable) describe Teixoneres as more than a refuge: Neanderthals knapped stone and processed fauna there, near resources. The Discussion reports recurrent short-term visits with transported toolkits, but the paper does not establish that caves formed points in a complex mobility and resource-exploitation network. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [10] E Coco, 2025, Agent-based simulations reveal the possibility of multiple rapid northern routes for the second Neanderthal dispersal from Western to Eastern Eurasia, PLoS One source

      The Discussion and conclusions (page unavailable) identifies Chagyrskaya and Okladnikov Caves as evidence of Neanderthal occupation and describes dispersal along river corridors. It does not establish that the caves themselves functioned as points in a network of mobility and resource exploitation, rather than simply as shelters. (LLM, conf=0.78)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [11] Al Păunescu, 2000
    • cites [12] Al Păunescu, 2001
    • cites [13] SB Mertens, 1996, The Middle Paleolithic in Romania, Curr Anthropol source
    • cites [14] A Doboş, 2017, The Middle Palaeolithic research in Romania. Past and current issues, Materiale şi cercetări arheologice (Serie nouă) source
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 49
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 27
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    There was no documentation of Middle Palaeolithic in the Eastern Carpathians prior to the authors' research, and all caves with Middle Palaeolithic presences in the Eastern Carpathians were included in the specialized literature by the authors' team.

    “It is important to add that there was no documentation of MP in the Eastern Carpathians prior to our researches. All caves with MP presences in the Eastern Carpathians were included in the specialized literature by the team led by the authors of this article [1,2,26,28].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [1] D Veres, 2018, New chronological constraints for Middle Palaeolithic (MIS 6/5-3) cave sequences in Eastern Transylvania, Romania, Quat Int source
    • cites [2] M Cosac, 2018, Multi-proxy archaeological investigations of a Middle Palaeolithic occupation context in Eastern Transylvania, Romania, Quat Int source
    • cites [26] G Murătoreanu, 2015, Potenţialul arheologic al carstului din Cheiele Vârghişului – Munţii Perşani. Etape preliminare în realizarea unui Sistem Informațional Geografic, Arheovest Interdisciplinaritate Arheologie
    • cites [28] C Schmidt, 2024, Evidence for the oldest Middle Palaeolithic cave occupation in the Romanian Carpathians, J Quat Sci source

      Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    Certain caves were used in distinct but recurrent episodes, indicating a sustainable and directed exploitation of the same landscape structures.

    “These studies confirm that certain caves were used in distinct but recurrent episodes, which indicates a sustainable and directed exploitation of the same landscape structures.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [1] D Veres, 2018, New chronological constraints for Middle Palaeolithic (MIS 6/5-3) cave sequences in Eastern Transylvania, Romania, Quat Int source
    • cites [2] M Cosac, 2018, Multi-proxy archaeological investigations of a Middle Palaeolithic occupation context in Eastern Transylvania, Romania, Quat Int source
    • cites [28] C Schmidt, 2024, Evidence for the oldest Middle Palaeolithic cave occupation in the Romanian Carpathians, J Quat Sci source

      The Integrated chronostratigraphy for Abri 122/1200 section describes occupation spanning multiple periods, ‘though not necessarily continuously,’ which supports episodic use of that site. The Conclusions discuss age estimates for two cave sites but do not establish recurrent use of multiple caves or conclude that their use was sustainable and directed exploitation of the landscape. Page numbers were not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Circuit theory has already been used in paleoanthropological studies to model the migration of early humans from Africa using Circuitscape, taking into account terrain resistance and natural barriers, and to demonstrate that the complex relief of the Caucasus affects human dispersal and gene flow.

    “This theoretical framework has already been used in paleoanthropological studies to model the migration of early humans from Africa, using Circuitscape, taking into account terrain resistance and natural barriers [46] or to demonstrate that the complex relief of the Caucasus affects human dispersal and gene flow [47].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [46] F Tassi, 2015, Early modern human dispersal from Africa: genomic evidence for multiple waves of migration, Investig Genet source

      Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [47] D Tarkhnishvili, 2016, Landscape Complexity in the Caucasus Impedes Genetic Assimilation of Human Populations More Effectively than Language or Ethnicity, Hum Biol source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    The 0-100 range represents the most efficient and most likely most frequented routes between sites, suggesting direct and recurrent routes in the logic of Neanderthal mobility.

    “These represent the most efficient and, most likely, the most frequented routes between sites, suggesting direct and recurrent routes in the logic of Neanderthal mobility [22,51].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [22] L Börger, 2008, Are there general mechanisms of animal home range behaviour? A review and prospects for future research, Ecol Lett source
    • cites [51] ATH Keeley, 2021, Connectivity metrics for conservation planning and monitoring, Biol Conserv source

      Section 3.1 describes resistance-based metrics that calculate cost-weighted paths between habitat patches, supporting the general idea of modeling efficient routes. It does not define a 0–100 range or establish that such routes were the most frequented, direct and recurrent routes of Neanderthal mobility. Page numbers are not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.83)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The most accessible space for movement is between 300 and 1200 m, corresponding to hills and low mountains, the most attractive from a landscape point of view.

    “The altitude, derived from the DEM, was classified based on the idea that the most accessible space is between 300 and 1200 m, a space that corresponds to the level of hills and low mountains, the most attractive from a landscape point of view [7,8], with numerous shelter possibilities, observation points and fluvial terraces characterized by low slopes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [7] C Daujeard, 2012, Neanderthal subsistence strategies in Southeastern France between the plains of the Rhone Valley and the mid-mountains of the Massif Central (MIS 7 to MIS 3), Quat Int source
    • cites [8] M-H Moncel, 2019, Rocks, teeth, and tools: New insights into early Neanderthal mobility strategies in South-Eastern France from lithic reconstructions and strontium isotope analysis, PLoS One source

      The Introduction mentions medium-altitude regions, and the Discussion (Neanderthal land use) describes movement along plateaus and ridgelines. Neither passage, nor the additional passages searched for the altitude range and landscape features, identifies 300–1200 m as the most accessible or attractive space for movement. No page numbers are available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    GIS technologies and least-cost analysis tools such as Linkage Mapper and Circuitscape have demonstrated potential in diverse fields, from biodiversity conservation to ecological networks.

    “GIS technologies and least-cost analysis tools, such as Linkage Mapper [19] and Circuitscape [20], have demonstrated their potential in diverse fields, from biodiversity conservation to the study of ecological networks [21–25].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 7 sources checked
    • cites [19] https://linkagemapper.org/

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [20] https://circuitscape.org/

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [21] BH McRae, 2008, Using circuit theory to model connectivity in ecology, evolution, and conservation, Ecology source
    • cites [22] L Börger, 2008, Are there general mechanisms of animal home range behaviour? A review and prospects for future research, Ecol Lett source
    • cites [23] BH McRae, 2011

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [24] SA Cushman, 2013, Biological corridors and connectivity, Key Topics in Conservation Biology 2. Wiley source
    • cites [25] BG Dickson, 2019, Circuit-theory applications to connectivity science and conservation, Conserv Biol source

      The Introduction identifies Circuitscape as software used across projects and disciplines, supporting its use as an example of a connectivity tool. But it describes circuit theory as an alternative to least-cost modeling, so calling Circuitscape a least-cost analysis tool is not supported. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingreasoning

    The range 100-5,000 (pink) includes secondary routes, slightly more expensive but still accessible.

    “The range 100–5,000 (pink) includes secondary routes, slightly more expensive but still accessible.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingreasoning

    The lin_corridors_truncated_at_10k raster reflects the density of least-cost paths between the analyzed sites, each pixel accumulating values depending on the frequency with which it is crossed by these routes.

    “The lin_corridors_truncated_at_10k raster reflects the density of least-cost paths (LCP) between the analyzed sites, each pixel accumulating values depending on the frequency with which it is crossed by these routes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Gura Cheii Cave (no. 11) has one of the most extensive areas of influence, being well positioned between depressional corridors with easy access.

    “According to this raster and the resulting allocated area graph (Fig 5), Gura Cheii Cave (no. 11) has one of the most extensive areas of influence, being well positioned between depressional corridors, with easy access.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Some caves function as cores of regional influence, e.g., Gura Cheii dominates the entire depression of Țara Bârsei; others are almost nullified as an influence, e.g., Cave 15.

    “Some caves function as cores of regional influence – e.g., Gura Cheii dominates the entire depression of Țara Bârsei. Others are almost nullified as an influence, not being able to “win” any space in the energetic competition (e.g., Cave 15).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingcitation

    According to Linkage Mapper, the cwd_alloc_ras raster delimits areas in which each core (cave) exerts an energetic dominance.

    “According to Linkage Mapper, the first stage provided an influence map - cwd_alloc_ras, which signifies territories of influence based on cost (Fig 4), delimiting the areas in which each core (cave) exerts an energetic dominance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingreasoning

    The cwd_alloc_ras raster reflects the areas of influence of each Neanderthal site, defined by energetic distance (depending on relief, slope and proximity of water) rather than Euclidean distance.

    “The cwd_alloc_ras raster reflects the areas of influence of each Neanderthal site, defined not by Euclidean distance, but by energetic distance (depending on relief, slope and proximity of water).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Peștereanu Cave has one of the largest areas of influence and the highest number of connections (9).

    “For example, Peștereanu Cave, located in the Apuseni region, has one of the largest areas of influence and the highest number of connections (9), which corresponds to the large volume of artifacts and the complex stratigraphy observed in recent research.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The average number of connections for a cave is 5, varying between 2 and 9 connections.

    “The average number of connections for a cave is 5, varying between 2 and 9 connections.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Peștereanu Cave has 9 connections; Spurcată and Bordul Mare caves have 7 connections.

    “The Peștereanu, Spurcată and Bordul Mare caves, with 9 and 7 connections respectively, can be considered important connectivity nodes – potential hubs of the Neanderthal network.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    Running Linkage Mapper with the pairwise option, starting from 16 caves, would have calculated 120 unique combinations, but the protocol restricted the calculation to 40 links between caves (80 round-trip), excluding energetically impossible routes.

    “Starting from 16 caves, there should have been 120 unique combinations (16 × 15/ 2). However, the protocol restricted the calculation of combinations to 40 links between caves, which if considered round-trip become 80 (Table 3), excluding those routes that are energetically impossible (either the energy cost is too high, or the caves are too far away and are separated by large obstacles).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingown data

    The range 0-100 (blue) highlights primary mobility corridors characterized by the lowest energy cost.

    “The range 0–100 (blue) highlights primary mobility corridors, characterized by the lowest energy cost.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Most caves with Middle Palaeolithic layers are at altitudes between 600 and 800 m; the only cave below 300 m is Hoților Cave, and the only one above 1000 m is Liliecilor Cave.

    “Altitude-wise, most caves are in the 600–800 m range (Fig 2), with very high or very low altitudes being exceptions to this pattern. The only cave located below 300 m is Hoților Cave (Herculane), and the only one above 1000 m is the Liliecilor Cave (Bran-Rucăr Corridor), both in the Southern Carpathians.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Peștereanu Cave, Curată and Spurcată Caves, Bordul Mare, and the caves in the Vârghiș Gorges are surrounded by an intense red area (low cost values), indicating an easily accessible area that radiates influence uniformly around.

    “In the case of caves surrounded by an intense red area (low cost values), it indicates an easily accessible area, which radiates influence uniformly around, as in the case of the Peștereanu Cave (Fig 8), Curată and Spurcată Caves (Fig 8), Bordul Mare (Fig 8) or the caves in the Vârghiș Gorges (Fig 9).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    933.2 km2 belong to peripheral areas, with high costs, but included in the network.

    “- 933.2 km² belong to peripheral areas, with high costs, but included in the network.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Some sites (Ungureasca Cave, Peștereanu Cave, Curată Cave) show a high degree of centrality in the network, while others, such as the caves in Vârghiș Gorges, appear isolated or poorly connected to the rest of the area, but have close links between them.

    “Some sites (Ungureasca Cave, Peștereanu Cave, Curată Cave) show a high degree of centrality in the network, while others, such as the caves in Vârghiș Gorges, appear isolated or poorly connected to the rest of the area, but have close links between them.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    At the Mare and Hoților sites, connected by low-energy corridors, lithic raw materials of different provenance were identified, as well as indications of repeated use, such as successive hearths and processed fauna.

    “For example, at the Mare and Hoților sites, connected by low-energy corridors, lithic raw materials of different provenance were identified, as well as indications of repeated use, such as successive hearths and processed fauna.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    The cumcurmap raster highlighted the areas with the highest "current" flow - emerging mobility routes - validated not only as optimal routes, but as a result of topography and contextual connectivity.

    “The cumcurmap raster highlighted the areas with the highest “current” flow – that is, emerging mobility routes, validated not only as optimal routes, but as a result of topography and contextual connectivity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The map synthesizes the energetic convergence between all possible routes and allows the identification of essential mobility nodes (Brașov Depression, Hațeg Depression, Mureș - Arieș Corridor, Bran-Rucăr Corridor and the contact between the Southern Carpathians and the Getic Subcarpathians).

    “The map synthesizes the energetic convergence between all possible routes and allows the identification of essential mobility nodes (Brașov Depression, Hațeg Depression, Mureș – Arieș Corridor, Bran-Rucăr Corridor and the contact between the Southern Carpathians and the Getic Subcarpathians).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Sites located in mountain depressions and corridors generate extensive and homogeneous areas of accessibility, while sites located at high altitude present areas of reduced influence.

    “Interpretation of these maps (Figs 8 and 9) shows that sites located in mountain depressions and corridors generate extensive and homogeneous areas of accessibility, while sites located at high altitude present areas of reduced influence.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Through Linkage Mapper, least-cost corridors between sites were identified, grouped into three categories: main routes (0-100 cw-km), secondary corridors (100-5,000), and wider but more costly routes (>5,000).

    “Through Linkage Mapper, least-cost corridors between sites were identified, grouped into three categories: main routes (0–100 cw-km), secondary corridors (100–5,000), and wider but more costly routes (>5,000).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Gabor Cave has an extremely small area of influence (only 1 km2) and appears poorly connected.

    “In contrast, Gabor Cave, in Cheile Vârghișului, has an extremely small area of influence (only 1 km²) and appears poorly connected, which may suggest a punctual or specialized use.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The 100-5,000 range may reflect seasonal variations, alternative logistical options, or occasional extensions of the main routes.

    “They may reflect seasonal variations, alternative logistical options, or occasional extensions of the main routes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Neanderthal mobility seems to have been structured according to the distribution and availability of resources, with variable but repetitive adaptive strategies.

    “In such a framework, Neanderthal mobility seems to have been structured according to the distribution and availability of resources, with variable but repetitive adaptive strategies [43,44].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [43] W Rendu, 2012, Monospecific faunal spectra in Mousterian contexts: implications for social behavior, Quat Int source
    • cites [44] A Burke, 2012, Spatial abilities, cognition and the pattern of Neanderthal and modern human dispersals, Quat Int source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given

    The analyzed sites belong to the Middle Palaeolithic and are chronologically framed in a wide interval corresponding to MIS 6-3 (~130,000-40,000 BP).

    “The sites analyzed in this study belong to the MP, being chronologically framed in a wide interval, corresponding to the MIS 6–3 climatic sub-stages (~130,000–40,000 BP).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This concentration of connections reflects the real possibilities of movement and the potential for access to resources and adjacent territories.

    “This concentration of connections reflects the real possibilities of movement and the potential for access to resources and adjacent territories.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    The application of circuit theory to Neanderthals in the Carpathian space is methodologically justifiable and empirically supported by similar studies.

    “Therefore, the application of this theory to Neanderthals in the Carpathian space is not only methodologically justifiable, but also empirically supported by similar studies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Decisions regarding the transport of carcasses by Neanderthals were made according to the effort of movement and caloric value, suggesting rational and cost-efficient behavior.

    “A recent study [45] demonstrates that decisions regarding the transport of carcasses were made according to the effort of movement and caloric value, suggesting a rational and cost-efficient behavior.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [45] J Rosell, 2019, The early use of fire among Neanderthals from a zooarchaeological perspective, Quat Sci Rev source

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The Carpathian caves constituted shelters for prehistoric human communities, offering refuge for shorter or longer periods.

    “These caves constituted shelters for prehistoric human communities, offering them refuge for shorter or longer periods of time [1,2].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [1] D Veres, 2018, New chronological constraints for Middle Palaeolithic (MIS 6/5-3) cave sequences in Eastern Transylvania, Romania, Quat Int source
    • cites [2] M Cosac, 2018, Multi-proxy archaeological investigations of a Middle Palaeolithic occupation context in Eastern Transylvania, Romania, Quat Int source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Neanderthal communities' movements could be connected to movements of herds of herbivorous mammals, and their behaviors could be likened to those of large predators.

    “To analyze the spatial relationships between caves considered to be occupied in the same chronological and climatic stages [1,11,12,14,28,33] we used two GIS protocols developed in the biological world, for two reasons: the movements of Neanderthal communities could be connected to the movements of herds of herbivorous mammals and their behaviors could be likened to those of large predators [42].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [42] W Rendu, 2010, Hunting behavior and Neanderthal adaptability in the Late Pleistocene site of Pech-de-l’Azé I, J Archaeol Sci source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The 5,000-10,000 range may correspond to detour routes used in contexts of restrictive terrain, limited access, or dispersed resources, completing the functional mobility network as adaptive routes.

    “These may correspond to detour routes, used in contexts of restrictive terrain, limited access, or dispersed resources. Although less efficient, they complete the functional mobility network, providing adaptive routes in the face of environmental constraints.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    The mobility network is robust but realistically limited by the geography of the region.

    “Most caves have 3–6 direct connections – suggesting a robust mobility network, but realistically limited by the geography of the region.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Premisecitation

    Previously published criteria for cave selection seemed valid until recently, but the caves in Vârghiș Gorges and Peștereanu Cave do not fit this pattern.

    “In previously published works, the analyzed caves were considered to gather a series of criteria that met the requirements of human communities: orientation, dimensions, absence of air currents, proximity of a depression and of possible observation points as part of a hunting strategy, proximity of water resources and sources of raw materials [11,12,33]. These criteria seemed valid until recently,”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 6 sources checked
    • cites [11] Al Păunescu, 2000
    • cites [12] Al Păunescu, 2001
    • cites [33] M Cârciumaru, 1999
    • cites [1] D Veres, 2018, New chronological constraints for Middle Palaeolithic (MIS 6/5-3) cave sequences in Eastern Transylvania, Romania, Quat Int source
    • cites [2] M Cosac, 2018, Multi-proxy archaeological investigations of a Middle Palaeolithic occupation context in Eastern Transylvania, Romania, Quat Int source
    • cites [26] G Murătoreanu, 2015, Potenţialul arheologic al carstului din Cheiele Vârghişului – Munţii Perşani. Etape preliminare în realizarea unui Sistem Informațional Geografic, Arheovest Interdisciplinaritate Arheologie

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    The thresholds for interpreting cumulative cost values (0-100 direct routes, 100-5,000 secondary corridors, 5,000-10,000 peripheral routes) were established heuristically by visual correlation with the hydrographic network and physical distances between sites.

    “These thresholds were established heuristically, by visual correlation with the hydrographic network and physical distances between sites, and can be adjusted for future sensitivity analyses.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    Eliminating values higher than 10,000 allows focus on functional, realistically accessible routes, in accordance with principles of least-cost modeling in spatial ecology and prehistoric human mobility.

    “Eliminating these values allows for a focus on functional, realistically accessible routes, in accordance with the principles of least-cost modeling in spatial ecology and prehistoric human mobility.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    The modeled network is coherent and logical from a geographical and energetic point of view.

    “This representation complements the results from Linkage Mapper and cwd, providing an integrative picture of the real probability of movement, validating the modeled network as coherent and logical from a geographical and energetic point of view.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In total, the 2357 km2 resulting (representing approximately 2.6% of the total area analyzed) can be interpreted as areas of priority interest for future archaeological prospecting, especially in poorly researched karst regions.

    “In total, the 2357 km² resulting (representing approximately 2.6% of the total area analyzed) can be interpreted as areas of priority interest for future archaeological prospecting, especially in poorly researched karst regions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The study proves the added value of GIS modeling in archaeological analysis and supports the integration of these methods in prehistory studies at regional and European scales.

    “The study proves the added value of GIS modeling in archaeological analysis and supports the integration of these methods in prehistory studies at regional and European scales.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductown data

    The cost raster was built starting from essential geographical variables-altitude, slope and distance from water sources-and allowed the realistic simulation of natural barriers and movement facilities.

    “The cost raster was built starting from essential geographical variables—altitude, slope and distance from water sources—and allowed the realistic simulation of natural barriers and movement facilities.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    The marginal connectivity of Hoților and Ungureasca may reflect either restrictive geographical conditions or seasonal or chronologically limited use.

    “Other sites, such as Hoților or Ungureasca, although frequently mentioned in classical literature, appear marginal in terms of connectivity, which may reflect either restrictive geographical conditions or seasonal or chronologically limited use.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The model has relevant prospective potential, by delimiting target areas that can guide future archaeological investigations.

    “Thus, the model has relevant prospective potential, by delimiting target areas that can guide future archaeological investigations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The models presented should be understood as relatively plausible functional scenarios, which provide a comparative framework for analysis, but do not reflect the absolute fidelity of the Paleolithic landscape.

    “Therefore, the models presented should be understood as relatively plausible functional scenarios, which provide a comparative framework for analysis, but do not reflect the absolute fidelity of the Paleolithic landscape.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This analysis not only supports the interpretation of Neanderthal mobility, but also provides a practical tool for selecting target areas, based on a combination of functional movement logic and favorable geological substratum.

    “This analysis not only supports the interpretation of Neanderthal mobility, but also provides a practical tool for selecting target areas, based on a combination of functional movement logic and favorable geological substratum.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Least-cost modeling is a heuristic, not predictive, tool to understand the spatial potential of movement and not necessarily the actual mobility.

    “Thus, least-cost modeling becomes a heuristic, not predictive, tool to understand the spatial potential of movement and not necessarily the actual mobility.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The obtained corridors allow the identification of spaces with a high probability of use during the course of the MP and provide a coherent basis for future archaeological explorations.

    “The obtained corridors allow the identification of spaces with a high probability of use during the course of the MP and provide a coherent basis for future archaeological explorations.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    This evidence may reflect recurrent regional mobility between shelters, which supports the functional realism of the modeled routes.

    “This evidence may reflect recurrent regional mobility between shelters, which supports the functional realism of the modeled routes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The proposed methodology provides a replicable framework for investigating Paleolithic mobility and allows prioritizing future archaeological investigations based on spatial probability of connection.

    “Finally, the proposed methodology provides a replicable framework for investigating Paleolithic mobility and allows prioritizing future archaeological investigations based on spatial probability of connection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    A key analysis in validating the models is the comparison between the modeled connectivity and the intensity of documented archaeological evidence at the sites.

    “A key analysis in validating the models is the comparison between the modeled connectivity and the intensity of documented archaeological evidence at the sites.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    It is possible that some low-cost corridors were in reality temporarily inaccessible, or that routes modeled as unlikely were favored in the paleolandscape.

    “Thus, it is possible that some low-cost corridors were in reality temporarily inaccessible, or that routes modeled as unlikely were favored in the paleolandscape.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The overall morphological structure (elevation, slope, karst relief arrangement) has remained largely stable since the end of the Middle Pleistocene.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The 100,000 cw-km threshold is similar to those tested in natural habitats in North America [49,55] and exclusion thresholds of 100,000-120,000 cw-km are considered feasible connectivity limits.

    “The 100,000 threshold is similar to those tested in natural habitats in North America [49,55] and exclusion thresholds of 100,000–120,000 cw-km were used, which are considered feasible connectivity limits and are also applied in this study to eliminate energetically improbable corridors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [49] ATH Keeley, 2016, Estimating landscape resistance from habitat suitability: effects of data source and nonlinearities, Landscape Ecol source
    • cites [55] A Jones, 2015

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.

    Interpretationcitation

    The intersection of the mobility corridors with the map of the karstic relief [43] in the analyzed area results in a space that is suitable for future analyses, for future research and for the identification of new possible sites (Fig 11).

    “The intersection of the mobility corridors with the map of the karstic relief [43] in the analyzed area results in a space that is suitable for future analyses, for future research and for the identification of new possible sites (Fig 11).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] W Rendu, 2012, Monospecific faunal spectra in Mousterian contexts: implications for social behavior, Quat Int source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductown data

    Although we did not implement a leave-one-out test, the behavior of the network suggests that most real sites are located in the proximity of high-connectivity corridors, generally at distances below 500 m.

    “Although we did not implement a leave-one-out test, the behavior of the network suggests that most real sites are located in the proximity of high-connectivity corridors, generally at distances below 500 m.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    Areas where multiple modeled routes overlap can be interpreted as functional nodes of the MP network-spaces where occupations, shelters, or transition points are likely to have existed.

    “Areas where multiple modeled routes overlap can be interpreted as functional nodes of the MP network—spaces where occupations, shelters, or transition points are likely to have existed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Studies show that mobility at the MP level was often strategically directed: not all shelters served as residences, some functioned as logistical points or as landmarks within seasonal exploitation [53,54].

    “Studies show that mobility at the MP level was often strategically directed: not all shelters served as residences, some functioned as logistical points or as landmarks within seasonal exploitation [53,54].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [53] J Féblot-Augustins, 1993, Mobility strategies in the late middle palaeolithic of Central Europe and Western Europe: elements of stability and variability, J Anthropol Archaeol source
    • cites [54] A Delagnes, 2011, Shifts in Neandertal mobility, technology and subsistence strategies in western France, J Archaeol Sci source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Circuitscape uses an analogy with electric current to simulate flow between sources through a resistive medium, represented by the cost raster.

    “Circuitscape uses an analogy with electric current to simulate how flow “flows” between sources through a resistive medium [22,23], in our case represented by the cost raster in Fig 3, the same one used for Linkage Mapper.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [22] L Börger, 2008, Are there general mechanisms of animal home range behaviour? A review and prospects for future research, Ecol Lett source
    • cites [23] BH McRae, 2011

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisereasoning

    Unlike classical least-cost path models, Circuitscape does not calculate just one optimal route, but considers all possible routes, generating a distributed flow network.

    “Unlike classical least-cost path models, Circuitscape does not calculate just one optimal route, but considers all possible routes, generating a distributed flow network.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In an archaeological context, Circuitscape translates into identifying areas where movement between sites is more likely, due to lower transit costs.

    “In an archaeological context, this translates into identifying areas where movement between sites is more likely, due to lower transit costs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Movements between sites should not be understood as actual routes, but as potential accessibility networks, reflecting the distribution of resources and the natural structure of the terrain.

    “Movements between sites should not be understood as actual routes, but as potential accessibility networks, reflecting the distribution of resources and the natural structure of the terrain.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given

    Linkage Mapper provides clear but unique routes between sites, while Circuitscape provides a continuous and probabilistic picture of the overall flow.

    “Linkage Mapper provides clear but unique routes between sites. Circuitscape, on the other hand, provides a continuous and probabilistic picture of the overall flow. While Linkage Mapper helps us identify preferred axes, Circuitscape suggests the distribution of mobility pressure across the landscape.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
64 of 64

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The direct application of Linkage Mapper and Circuitscape to the study of Neanderthal mobility in the Carpathians is almost non-existent.

    “Despite this potential, their direct application to the study of Neanderthal mobility in the Carpathians is almost non-existent, which provides a fertile space for the development of new interpretative perspectives.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Hunter-gatherer populations avoided altitudes above 1200 m even at the level of the last interglacial.

    “The other classes (6 and 10 points) were assigned to the hypsometric steps 1200–1500 and above 1500 m, considering that hunter-gatherer populations avoided these inhospitable altitudes even at the level of the last interglacial.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There is not much evidence of Neanderthal activity below 300 m.

    “The next class is the hypsometric step below 300 m, corresponding to the current plains. Not having much evidence of Neanderthal activity here, this space was given the value 3.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The dimensions of the core-area polygons cannot be hierarchized by the dimensions or intensity of the dwellings in the caves.

    “The dimensions of the polygons were equal because we cannot make a hierarchy of the dimensions or intensity of the dwellings in the mentioned caves.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Neanderthal groups would not have invested a disproportionate effort to travel on dangerous or very high energy consumption routes.

    “This automatic filter reflects a plausible ecological and ethological reality: Neanderthal groups would not have invested a disproportionate effort to travel on dangerous or very high energy consumption routes.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The overall morphological structure (elevation, slope, karst relief arrangement) has remained largely stable since the end of the Middle Pleistocene.

    “Although the overall morphological structure (elevation, slope, karst relief arrangement) has remained largely stable since the end of the Middle Pleistocene, river courses, alluvial deposits and the degree of accessibility to karst inlets may have been significantly modified by postglacial processes.”
6 of 6

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Ungureasca Cave is characterized as both central and marginal

    Major

    The conclusion lists Ungureasca among sites with high network centrality, whereas the results describe it as marginal in connectivity.

  • Gura Cheii Cave is assigned the wrong site number

    Minor

    The text calls Gura Cheii Cave site 11, but Table 1 identifies it as site 12; site 11 is Liliecilor Cave.

2 of 2

Citations

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 12

  1. C. Goran, 2018, The systematic catalogue of the Romanian caves., 37
  2. C Goran, 1982, Catalogul sistematic al peșterilor din România
  3. Al Păunescu, 2000, Paleoliticul şi mezoliticul din spațiul cuprins între Carpaţi şi Dunăre
  4. Al Păunescu, 2001, Paleoliticul și mezoliticul din spațiul transilvan
  5. G Murătoreanu, 2015, Potenţialul arheologic al carstului din Cheiele Vârghişului – Munţii Perşani. Etape preliminare în realizarea unui Sistem Informațional Geografic, Arheovest Interdisciplinaritate Arheologie, 3, 591
  6. h Lazarovici G, 2023, Cheile Turzii. Monografie arheologică
  7. M Roska, 1925, Raport préliminaire sur les fouilles archéologiques de l’anne 1925, 404
  8. Nicolăescu-Plopșor CS, 1957, Le Paléolithique dans la R. P. Roumaine a la lumiére des rechercheres, Dacia, 41
  9. Mogoșanu F, 1978, Paleoliticul din Banat
  10. M Cârciumaru, 1999, Le paléolithique en Roumanie
  11. M Cârciumaru, 2008, Le paleolithique de la grotte Gura Cheii – Râşnov
  12. A Jones, 2015, Mapping Habitat Connectivity for Greater Sage-Grouse in Oregon’s Sage-Grouse Conservation Partnership (SageCon) Assessment Area

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Metadata

Authors
Murătoreanu, G., & Cosac, M.
Affiliations
Valahia University of Targoviste (RO)
Corresponding author
Murătoreanu, George
ORCID
Venue
PLOS One
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Published
2025-10-10
Volume
20
Issue
10
Pages
e0334149
ISSN
1932-6203 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0334149
PMC
PMC12513586
OpenAlex
W4415052458
Cited by
1
References
34
Citations by year
2026: 1
FWCI
2.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • PLoS ONE (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Anthropology › Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
  • Social Sciences › Archeology › Archaeological Research and Protection
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology (arts and humanities) › Archaeological and Geological Studies
Keywords
Romanian Carpathians, cave sites, Middle Palaeolithic, Linkage Mapper, Circuitscape, spatial connectivity, Dobrudja
MeSH terms
Animals, Archaeology, Humans, Models, Theoretical, Romania, Geographic Information Systems, Neanderthals, Caves

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-11-08, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).

A second model labelled each claim on 2026-11-08 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).

Cited sources are checked with a language model’s help (gpt-6-sol).

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review