Weinstock, J.2010-01-252010-01-252001Cadernos do Laboratorio Xeolóxico de Laxe, 2001, 26: 289-299 ISSN: 00213-44970213-4497http://hdl.handle.net/2183/6523[Abstract] This paper reports the results of the study of age and sexual composition of the cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) ‘population’ of the Zoolithenhöhle, a classic cave site in Bavaria, southern Germany. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the assemblage dates to c. 29-24 kaB P. The osteometrical analysis shows that the great majority (ca. 90%) of the bears denning in the site were females. The tooth eruption and wear reveal the presence of a large proportion of young and some mature animals but a marked paucity of very old adults. The reason(s) for this very skewed sex ratio and the almost total absence of senile individuals is unclear.engCave bearsDemographySexual dimorphismAgeingGermanyjournal articleopen access