Hunter-gatherer home ranges and marine resources - An archaeological case from southern Patagonia

The dietary importance of marine resources is often cited as a factor conditioning spatial organization among hunter-gatherers. In particular, fishing has been linked with a settled way of life and relatively small home ranges. A case study from Late Holocene southern Patagonia involving stable isotope analysis of human and faunal remains and examination of the spatial distribution of "marine" items suggests an important role for marine foods, a low intensity of human use of coastal habitats, and a very limited distribution of marine items in the interior. While home ranges are relatively small, no sedentary trend or reduction of mobility is indicated.