Source-sink dynamics and their applicability to neolithic period persistence in marginal areas: An illustration from the US Southwest

摘要

Source-sink dynamics, developed in bioecology, may help archaeologists understand the persistence of Formative period populations in seemingly marginal areas. In the illustrations provided, the fl ow of people or maize from a donor area to a recipient area can aid human persistence in both areas, in contrast to the case where no resource fl ow occurs. Although this essay focuses on the US Southwest and Chaco Canyon, source-sink dynamics are potentially applicable across the globe.