Human Behavioral Ecology at the Coastal Margins: Global Perspectives on Coastal & Maritime Adaptations

This collection contains the abstracts of the papers presented in the session entitled "Human Behavioral Ecology at the Coastal Margins: Global Perspectives on Coastal & Maritime Adaptations," at the 84th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Coastlines and islands are hypothesized to have been critical in our species’ earliest migrations out of Africa as well as the initial colonization of the New World. A wealth of archaeological evidence reflects the importance of these dynamic environments for past human societies, yet interpretation of behavior continues to rely on theoretical models developed based on terrestrial foraging behavior. In this session, we ask discussants from around the world to consider if/how human behavioral adaptations may vary with respect to the unique conditions, constraints, and context of Coastlines. Local case studies presented will offer insight on current conceptualizations of coastal and maritime adaptations. Participants will collaboratively take on development of theoretical concepts that engage the unique trajectory of social, political, and demographic feedbacks connected to coastal settings such as settlements, procurement, and exchange. Our goal is to identify and remedy potential conceptual gaps in the application of existing theoretical models when applied to habitation of coastal settings and use of their resources. Critical topics include the unique challenges faced by coastal and maritime societies, including: ecological risks and resilience of coastal environments, economic balance between coastal and terrestrial resource needs, technological innovation and transmission of knowledge, among others.