Date of Award:
5-2024
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Sociology and Anthropology
Committee Chair(s)
David Byers
Committee
David Byers
Committee
Judson Finley
Committee
Jacob Freeman
Committee
Erick Robinson
Abstract
This study explored the profound human history shift from foraging to agriculture, focusing on Utah's Fremont cultural complex. Utilizing the Prey-Rank Model, we investigated whether dwindling encounter rates with high-rank prey prompted the Fremont's adoption of agriculture. We quantified past resource trends by analyzing the Utah archaeofaunal database to discern if ecological conditions influenced this transition. If confirmed, it suggests adaptive responses to a decline in high-ranked game led to a more resource-intensive survival strategy. This research provides crucial insights into the motivations behind the Fremont's agricultural adoption, enhancing our understanding of human-environment interactions and adaptations throughout history.
Checksum
95a018efbbb9a1d5c6749970c1f1549d
Recommended Citation
McGrath, Ryan, "Hunting for Agriculture: Unraveling Ecological Motivations in the Transition to Farming by the Fremont Cultural Complex" (2024). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present. 182.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd2023/182
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