Pleistocene graminoid-dominated ecosystems in the Arctic

► Multiple proxies point to a paleograminoid ecosystem in the Pleistocene Arctic. ► Phytoliths, macrofossils & stable isotopes allow nuanced localized interpretations. ► Better spatial and taxonomic resolutions are now possible than with pollen analysis. ► Both climate fluctuations and local disturbance by animals shaped the ecosystem. ► Studies of future Arctic change should be informed by paleoperspectives.