Sparse Pre-Columbian Human Habitation in Western Amazonia

Abstract

Population Limits Extensive pre-Columbian populations inhabited the central and eastern Amazon basin, as evidenced by the clearing and modification of forests. McMichael et al. (p. 1429 ) examined how far inland such activities may have extended by sampling soils across western Amazonia, including river bluffs, which were heavily occupied downstream. Little evidence of human disturbance across a wide region was found by looking for charcoal layers (which would suggest use of fire) and phytoliths, which trace local plants and would indicate the presence of crops. Furthermore, no ceramics or tools were found. Thus, pre-Columbian human populations seem to have been sparse in western Amazonia.