Optimal foraging theory and niche-construction theory do not stand in opposition

In a recent paper, Zeder (1) outlines core archaeological questions in domestication research, highlighting the importance of defining the process, when it happened, and why it happened in various global contexts. Importantly, she emphasizes the utility of separating initial domestication from intensive agricultural practices, pointing out that often, origins of agriculture studies actually deal with initial domestication. Zeder’s explicit separation of these two economic behaviors, as well as identification of various markers that indicate initial domestication, makes this an extremely valuable contribution. However, in addressing the frameworks used to explain domestication, Zeder (1) presents optimal foraging theory (OFT) and …