Models for Pleistocene Extinction

Wesler, Kit W.

doi:10.2190/y3m9-2772-wfbg-tgt4

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 22 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…These areas include the tundra bordering the glaciated areas and the Beringian grasslands (Redmann 1982;Bliss and Richards 1982;Hibbert 1982). Therefore, the observed megafaunal extinctions cannot be accounted for by the model presented here, sug-gesting that factors other than overexploitation (e.g., climatic changes) might be the cause (Wesler 1981;Guthrie 1982Guthrie , 1984Grayson 1984).…”

Section: Overexploitationmentioning

confidence: 88%

An optimal foraging-based model of hunter-gatherer population dynamics

Belovsky

1988

Journal of Anthropological Archaeology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Population changes for hunter-gatherers are modeled on the basis of nutritional intake, which is determined using an optimal foraging model based upon the optimization technique of linear programming. The population model not only demonstrates how hunter-gatherer demography changes with nutrition, but also shows how their density influences food abundance in the environment which in turn affects their nutritional status. Differences in food availability in different environments can be assessed by examining the effects of diierent preexploitation maxima for food abundances. Hunter-gatherer populations are predicted by the model to display a stable limit cycle which varies in severity with the maximum food abundance in the environment, being more severe at very low and high food abundances. Observed hunter-gatherer densities, growth rates, and life expectancies are shown to be consistent with the population model's predictions for different environments. The model is also used to examine the impact huntergatherers might have on their food resources including whether or not overexploitation (extinction) occurs and how their diets change in different environments with changes in population density. Finally, the model is used to examine archaeological questions about the Paleo-Indian colonization of the New World and the effects of technological innovation by hunter-gatherers. 8 1988 AC&.~~C PMS, IK.

show abstract

Section: Overexploitationmentioning

confidence: 88%

An optimal foraging-based model of hunter-gatherer population dynamics

Belovsky

1988

Journal of Anthropological Archaeology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…By updating the last in-depth review of the late Pleistocene extinction modeling literature (Wesler 1981), the current paper sheds some much-needed light on the subject so that we can better assess how human hunting might have factored into those extinctions. Our analysis suggests that existing models are consistent with multiple extinction hypotheses and emphasizes the value of minimally complex, transparent, open-access modeling efforts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review and Synthesis of Late Pleistocene Extinction Modeling: Progress Delayed by Mismatches between Ecological Realism, Interpretation, and Methodological Transparency

Yule¹,

Fournier²,

Jensen³

et al. 2014

The Quarterly Review of Biology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Late Pleistocene extinctions occurred globally over a period of about 50,000 years, primarily affecting mammals of > or = 44 kg body mass (i.e., megafauna) first in Australia, continuing in Eurasia and, finally, in the Americas. Polarized debate about the cause(s) of the extinctions centers on the role of climate change and anthropogenic factors (especially hunting). Since the late 1960s, investigators have developed mathematical models to simulate the ecological interactions that might have contributed to the extinctions. Here, we provide an overview of the various methodologies used and conclusions reached in the modeling literature, addressing both the strengths and weaknesses of modeling as an explanatory tool. Although late Pleistocene extinction models now provide a solid foundation for viable future work, we conclude, first, that single models offer less compelling support for their respective explanatory hypotheses than many realize; second, that disparities in methodology (both in terms of model parameterization and design) prevent meaningful comparison between models and, more generally, progress from model to model in increasing our understanding of these extinctions; and third, that recent models have been presented and possibly developed without sufficient regard for the transparency of design that facilitates scientific progress.

show abstract

Past, present, and future mass extinctions

Elewa

Abdelhady

2020

Journal of African Earth Sciences

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Models for Pleistocene Extinction

Cited by 4 publications

References 22 publications

An optimal foraging-based model of hunter-gatherer population dynamics

An optimal foraging-based model of hunter-gatherer population dynamics

A Review and Synthesis of Late Pleistocene Extinction Modeling: Progress Delayed by Mismatches between Ecological Realism, Interpretation, and Methodological Transparency

Past, present, and future mass extinctions

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About