What’s it like out there? Landscape learning during the early peopling of the highlands of the south-central Atacama desert

摘要: Abstract It has often been assumed that a link exists between climate change and human dispersion during the initial peopling of Atacama Desert. However, there is little understanding how hunter-gatherers acquired processed environmental information. We examine paleoenvironmental archaeological data to propose early highlands south-central was gradual process modulated by landscape learning. Evidence suggests occupations at end Pleistocene were limited intermediate altitude levels, where ecological structure more easily legible productive. This allowed groups make use general, transferrable knowledge, based mainly on hunting wild camelids gathering plant resources in azonal formations. arid event Early Holocene led successive episodes abandonment relocation new areas, consolidating complementary land-use desert lowlands high puna. Two strategies for acquisition transmission information can be identified: (1) scouting as part logistical parties; (2) information-pooling rooted broad, flexible social networks. conclude face uncertain conditions, invested effort learning sharing knowledge.