The impact of the prehistoric Polynesians on the Hawaiian ecosystem

Author:

Kirch, Patrick V.

Title:

The impact of the prehistoric Polynesians on the Hawaiian ecosystem

Periodical:

Pacific Science

Year:

1982

Volume:

36

Pages:

1-14

Subject:

Polynesia antiquities Archaeological surveying

Summary:

This paper provides a summary regarding the impact that humans had on Polynesia that resulted from evidence that was found through archaeological and ancillary studies of paleoenvironment. These studies suggest that the early Polynesians had a far greater impact on the Hawaiian ecosystems than had previously been realized and that this occurred as exotic plants and animals were introduced to the islands. The cumulative effects of forest clearance and habitat modification, through the use of fire, also led to major changes in lowland ecology. This led to the extinction of endemic species, the alteration of vegetation communities, and erosion -- consequences that transformed the Hawaiian landscape.

Label:

Ecology

URL:

http://hdl.handle.net/10125/406

Date:

1982

Collection:

Periodicals