Kelley, N. Jane H.McKinnon, Neil A.2005-07-212005-07-2119860315360062http://hdl.handle.net/1880/23767Bibliography: p. 200-219.This thesis focuses on former human-environment interrelationships on the southern Alberta Plains. Systemic models of environment and culture are used as heuristic devices within which questions concerning conditions necessary for culture change and the adaptations made under such conditions are examined. Past bison feeding behaviour is inferred and proxy paleoenvironmental data are developed using stable carbon isotope analysis of bison bone samples from Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (DkPj-1). Previous CJ and C4 grass abundances in the area are used to reconstruct climatic episodes and conditions. These are correlated with the archaeological record from the site. Hypotheses are formulated concerning human adaptive behaviour under different climatic conditions. It is found that resource utilization is more thorough and procurement techniques more complex during times of climatic stress. Stressful environmental conditions are associated with decreased population levels and evidence of trade diminishes at these times. Climatic factor thresholds that may precipitate culture change are defined in terms of magnitude and duration. There is some evidence that variety in material culture buffers the effects of climatic change although it was found that variety was not necessarily greater during stressful climatic periods.xiii, 219 leaves : map ; 30 cm.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.QE 720 M17 1987Paleoecology - Alberta - Head-Smashed-In Buffalo JumpHead-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (Alta.) - AntiquitiesBison, FossilRadiocarbon datingmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/18585QE 720 M17 1987