Evolution and Ecology in Oceania

The diverse islands of Oceania are model locations for the study of human ecology and evolution. This session addresses the dynamic interaction between the prehistoric inhabitants of Oceania and their island environments.  Papers in this session will address theoretical and substantive issues from a range of ecological and evolutionary approaches. We also welcome submissions with a focus on new methods used to address ecological and evolutionary questions. These may include, but are not limited to, geospatial techniques, genetics, geochemical and isotopic methods, paleoecological techniques, and simulation modeling. Geographically, the papers in the session will encompass the whole of Oceania. Session contributions will explore a variety of topics across diverse island ecosystems, for example, responses to climate change, social network and community analysis, human impacts on island environments, socio-cultural evolution, cultural transmission, niche construction, and settlement and mobility. Synthesis and review papers are also welcome.