Open AccessPlant species richness at archaeological sites suggests ecological legacy of Indigenous subsistence on the Colorado Plateau
Author(s) -
Bruce M. Pavlik,
Lisbeth A. Louderback,
Kenneth Blake Ver,
Peter M. Yaworsky,
C.J. Wilson,
Arnold Clifford,
Brian F. Codding
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2025047118
Subject(s) - species richness , subsistence agriculture , ecology , geography , ecosystem , indigenous , colorado plateau , archaeology , biology , agriculture , geochemistry , geology
Significance Identifying how past human populations altered ecosystems is critical for understanding current ecological diversity and for the management of both natural and cultural resources. This study presents evidence for an enduring ecological legacy of ancient people on the Colorado Plateau, where the complexity of archaeological sites correlates with the richness of culturally important plant species. This suggests the intentional or unintentional transport and cultivation of native plants on a scale that is often overlooked in the American Southwest, where exogenous domesticates (corn, beans, and squash) are emphasized. These results illustrate how even small-scale societies can affect ecosystems and highlight the importance of coupling archaeology, ecology, and tribal expertise for resource management.