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About 15 years ago, we suggested that the low frequency of archaeological sites dating from the mid-Holocene in several regions of Lowland South America (which was then called the "Archaic Gap") was due to an increase in the magnitude of dry periods related to the mid-Holocene hypsithermal. Since then, data regarding paleoenvironmental reconstructions for this vast area, coupled with an increase in the archaeological knowledge, allow us to reassess the idea of the "Archaic Gap" and redefine both the spatial extent of the phenomenon and its possible causes. Our present analysis aims to present a broader picture of the relations between humans and the environment in Eastern South America since the Late Pleistocene. The obtained results suggest that the extent of the areas that were somewhat depopulated during the mid-Holocene is larger than previously thought; not only Central Brazil, but parts of the Amazon and the Pantanal (close to the Bolivian border) seem to show the same pattern. However, as expected when larger datasets are available, it is possible to perceive oscillations in the archaeological signal that suggest reoccupation of some areas. Although we maintain that the main reasons underlying these patterns are related to climate, they are most probably related to an increase in climatic variability, and not necessarily to an increase in dryness. These observations are of interest to the current debate about the effects of the global warming on human populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the last 200ka, humans have explored and adapted to a changing world. Environmental challenges faced by humans today, like emergent pathogens and overpopulation, are not that different from the ones in the past. This article aims to discuss the patterns of disease observed in ancient human populations from southeastern and southern Brazil (hunter-gatherer groups associated to riverine and coastal shellmounds and agriculturalists associated to the Tupiguarani archaeological Tradition). The role of new pathogens and high demographic density will be discussed, as well as the interpretations regarding the frequencies of chronic infectious diseases that affect bones. We will also present the importance of understanding patterns of health and disease in past human populations in order to address present day scenarios related to climate change, vulnerable populations, and disease. Warning: This article discusses and presents images of ancient human remains. While we acknowledge that this can be a sensitive topic, we would like to stress the importance of studying and generating knowledge about past human populations which otherwise would be completely unknown and forgotten.

Ancient DNA (aDNA) research has been intertwined with technology since its very beginning. Recognized for its potential to unveil insights into history and evolution, the field has been regarded as 'revolutionary' – and even capable of solving a myriad of questions still left open. Yet, critics range from ethical implications of the destruction of human remains – a non-renewable source of biological, cultural and spiritual significance – to the perceived overvaluation of genetics as a more reliable source of knowledge than other disciplines. Additionally, native communities (often sought for these studies) voiced concerns about biocolonialism, emphasizing the potential harm to their identity and both territorial and repatriation claims. Given this context, this article explores possible contributions from Postman's Technopoly to the field's ongoing discussions. What transformations has such technology brought about? Have inequalities been perpetuated (or even exacerbated)? How might understanding media ecology contribute to navigating these complexities, after all? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletim Paranaense de Geociências is the property of Universidade Federal do Parana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Lagoa Santa region presents an important karst complex that includes several caves with a large amount of osteological material dated from the Quaternary. Among the caves presenting a large volume of paleovertebrates in Lagoa Santa is the Cuvieri Cave, dated from the Pleistocene and Holocene. The Tapiridae family originates in the northern hemisphere and its remains are found in South America from the Pleistocene onwards. The present study describes three specimens of Tapirus sp., one subadult and two adults, found in Cuvieri Cave. The subadult specimen has a proportion similar to that of an adult Tapirus terrestris, but it is smaller in comparison to the two adults. The main difference observed in the Cuvieri specimens is that the appendicular bones are more robust and longer than those of T. terrestris, with the distal bones showing the greatest proportional difference. Regardless of the observed differences, the individuals might have probably lived in an environment quite similar to the present day one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caves have been acting as natural traps for numerous groups of animals and, due to their relatively stable environmental conditions, preservation of faunal remains is usually good. In the Holocene, the nature of the depositional system of the Cuvieri Cave allowed the preservation of osteological material that was seldom altered or remobilised, resulting in an important record of environmental events and changes in faunal composition. Deer represents the most abundant family of macrovertebrates that have been found at the Cuvieri Cave, including two species: Mazama americana and Mazama cf. gouazoubira. The Tayassuidae are represented by two species Tayassu pecari and Pecari tajacu, the first occurring only in deposits attributed to the beginning of the Holocene, while P. tajacu also occurs in the Middle and Late Holocene. The presence of human groups in the region occurred in two periods, and while it was present there was the presence of Mazama americana, typical of forest environments. However, the species Pecari tajacu was recorded during the period that the region was not inhabited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Etnobiología is the property of Etnobiologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)