Reproductive Tradeoffs In Uncertain Environments: Explaining The Evolution Of Cultural Elaboration

Abstract

Dunnell's (1989) explanation for cultural elaboration proposed that elaboration could be a consequence of selection within uncertain environments. He developed the theory to the extent that it performed well explaining the distribution of elaboration at regional scales within eastern North America. More detailed studies require more detailed development of the theory, so that additional hypotheses and implications can be deduced. We draw upon theories of selection in fluctuating environments and portions of life history theory to propose a formal model of selection for "waste" in uncertain environments. We use agent-based simulation to explore the sufficiency of the theory for explaining the maintenance of high levels of elaboration within populations, and deduce novel implications for archaeological evidence usable by others to test the utility of Dunnell's model in specific localities.