ABSTRACT
In this chapter the behavioural evolution and adaptive changes of hunters, gatherers and fishers in the Iberian Pleistocene wi l l be discussed in terms of variations in the distribution and organization of energy and social life. 1
Both a synchronic and diachronic perspective wi l l be adopted. This chapter follows the ecological approach of Jochim (1981) and the regional perspective of Gamble (1986), where the Iberian Peninsula is understood to comprise part of the southwest and west Mediterranean regions. I wi l l also use the settlement history of these populations as a framework to deal with differences in their distribution across the landscape. At the same time I wi l l argue that differences in social organization (Gamble 1986; 1993) help to explain changes of behaviour in the hunter-gatherers of Iberia.
