Generalized and Specialized Resource Utilization During the Archaic Period: Implications of the Koster Site Faunal Record

Summary

Abstract - Traditionally, changes in niche breadth during the Archaic period have been depicted as involving a shift from specialized resource use during the Early Archaic to a more generalized resource use by the Middle Archaic. The faunal record from the Early and Middle Archaic levels of the Koster site does not support this scenario. Evaluation of the Koster case suggests that some modification to common assumptions about the determinants of niche breadth is in order. Not only should the ways in which resource supply and demand for food can affect niche breadth be reexamined but particular attention should be paid to the role of other factors.

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: -6500 to -4900

None: 8450 to 6850

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Sarah Neusius

Project Director(s): Sarah Neusius

Prepared By(s): Indiana University of Penn.

Notes

General Note: The Koster faunal databases loaded in tDAR were identified by several zooarchaeologists. Frederick C. Hill and his assistants identified much of the early material collected in test units dug in 1969 as well as materials from the excavation of Horizons 1-6. Hill's 1975 dissertation (see reference list associated with this project) is a primary source for this material. Sarah W. Neusius identified faunal remains from Horizons 8-10B as well as a small sample of materials from Horizon 11. Her 1982 dissertation as well as a 1986 article (see references) are the primary sources for this material. John Hewitt created the faunal file for Horizons 8-10B identifications in conjunction with his own 1982 dissertation (see references) Andrea L. Boon completed a MA thesis on a large sample of materials from Horizon 11 and reported on this research in her 2011 thesis (see references).

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