Methods in Historical Ecology: Insights from Amazonia

This book provides an overview of recent techniques and concepts in historical ecology, focusing on understanding the history of tropical landscapes. It covers various topics such as archaeological feature detection, living organisms as witnesses of past human activities, ethnoecological knowledge of ancient anthropogenic landscapes, and societal impacts of historical ecology. The contributions aim to strengthen interdisciplinary synergies and propose solutions applicable beyond Amazonian contexts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the latest tools, methodologies, and concepts in historical ecology, providing a valuable resource for students and researchers alike. It offers a comprehensive introduction to state-of-the-art techniques and showcases a diverse range of methods dedicated to understanding the history of tropical landscapes. The chapters cover various aspects, including the detection and characterization of archaeological features, the role of living organisms as witnesses to past human activities, the ethnoecological knowledge of ancient anthropogenic landscapes, and the societal impacts of historical ecology. While primarily based on Amazonian experiences, the contributions aim to foster interdisciplinary synergies and propose solutions that can be applied beyond the Amazon region.

Introduction:
Historical ecology is a rapidly evolving field that seeks to understand the complex interactions between human societies and their environments over time. By examining the traces left behind by past human activities, researchers can gain insights into the development of cultural practices, the evolution of ecosystems, and the impact of human actions on the natural world. This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest tools, methodologies, and concepts in historical ecology, with a particular focus on tropical landscapes.

Chapter 1:
The first chapter introduces the concept of historical ecology and its relevance in understanding the history of tropical landscapes. It discusses the importance of studying past human activities and their impact on the environment, as well as the challenges and opportunities that arise from this approach. The chapter also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in historical ecology research and the need to integrate different fields of knowledge to achieve a holistic understanding of the past.

Chapter 2:
In the second chapter, the book explores the detection and characterization of archaeological features in tropical landscapes. It discusses the methods and techniques used to identify and analyze archaeological sites, including survey, excavation, and artifact analysis. The chapter also highlights the significance of archaeological features in understanding the history of human societies and their interactions with the environment, including the development of agriculture, the rise of complex societies, and the impact of climate change.

Chapter 3:
The third chapter focuses on the role of living organisms as witnesses to past human activities in tropical landscapes. It discusses the importance of studying the biodiversity of tropical ecosystems and the ways in which it can provide insights into the history of human use and exploitation of natural resources. The chapter also highlights the challenges and limitations of using living organisms as witnesses to past human activities, such as the potential for bias and the difficulty of interpreting complex ecological relationships.

Chapter 4:
The fourth chapter explores the ethnoecological knowledge of ancient anthropogenic landscapes in tropical regions. It discusses the methods and techniques used to study the cultural landscapes of past societies, including the analysis of soil, vegetation, and artifacts. The chapter also highlights the significance of ethnoecological knowledge in understanding the history of human-environment interactions, including the development of sustainable land management practices and the conservation of cultural heritage.

Chapter 5:
The fifth chapter examines the societal impacts of historical ecology in tropical landscapes. It discusses the ways in which historical ecology research can contribute to the development of sustainable development policies and practices, as well as the challenges and limitations of this approach. The chapter also highlights the importance of engaging with local communities and stakeholders in historical ecology research and the need to ensure that the benefits of this research are shared equitably.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the latest tools, methodologies, and concepts in historical ecology, with a particular focus on tropical landscapes. It offers a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in understanding the history of human societies.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367182212