Class

Article

College

College of Science

Faculty Mentor

Guen Grosklos

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Abstract

Research has provided a theoretical framework by which to model hunter-gatherer population dynamics and their interaction with habitat resources. However, empirical archaeological evidence can also provide many insights into historical interactions. We marry these two methods by augmenting an existing dynamic model to incorporate archaeological data on the historic interactions between the native Aleut tribe and the Sanak Island marine ecosystem. Our augmented model successfully shows the existence and variability of population cycles as food and resource abundances change through time. Analysis of the model provides insight into the paleoecology of the region, including the theoretical possibility that a greater number of Stellar sea lions may have had a negative impact on the Aleuts' ability to obtain sufficient food resources.

Location

Room 101

Start Date

4-12-2018 9:00 AM

End Date

4-12-2018 10:15 AM

Share

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Apr 12th, 9:00 AM Apr 12th, 10:15 AM

Using Sanak Island Archeological Data to Augment a Hunter-Gatherer Dynamic Population Model

Room 101

Research has provided a theoretical framework by which to model hunter-gatherer population dynamics and their interaction with habitat resources. However, empirical archaeological evidence can also provide many insights into historical interactions. We marry these two methods by augmenting an existing dynamic model to incorporate archaeological data on the historic interactions between the native Aleut tribe and the Sanak Island marine ecosystem. Our augmented model successfully shows the existence and variability of population cycles as food and resource abundances change through time. Analysis of the model provides insight into the paleoecology of the region, including the theoretical possibility that a greater number of Stellar sea lions may have had a negative impact on the Aleuts' ability to obtain sufficient food resources.