Fitness and Reproductive Trade-Offs in Uncertain Environments: Explaining the Evolution of Cultural Elaboration

Authors: Madsen M.¹; Lipo C.²; Cannon M.²

Source: Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, Volume 18, Number 3, September 1999 , pp. 251-281(31)

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Abstract:

Dunnell (1989) proposed that cultural elaboration is likely a consequence of selection within uncertain environments. He developed the theory to the extent that it performs well in explaining the distribution of elaboration within eastern North America at regional scales. More detailed studies require development of the theory so that additional hypotheses and implications can be deduced. We draw upon theories of selection in fluctuating environments and theories about reproductive strategies to propose a simple model of selection for cultural elaboration in uncertain environments. The simple model has several general implications for the relationship between fecundity, elaboration, and other archaeological observables, including population age structure, spatial variation and mobility, and the character of environmental variability. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: InterNAP Network Services, 601 Union Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, Washington, 98101 2: Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98105

Publication date: 1999-09-01