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

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.