ABSTRACT
This chapter provides some possible implications of Reynolds’ adaptive computer model. In Reynolds’ simulation, adaptation in dry years benefited from the adoption of improvements that had been tried out under the relaxed pressure of wet years. This may mean that adaptation moves fastest not simply under conditions of stress, but when its setting combines stressful periods during which conservative and resilient strategies are rigorously selected. As Reynolds’ group approaches a stable adaptation similar to that of Guila Naquitz D, they seem to be sacrificing plant protein in order to gain more calories and reduce their search area. In real life, of course, the group had access to protein from deer, cottontails, birds, and turtles, none of which are included in simulation. Reynolds experimentally altered his model to observe the effects of population increase, a wetter climate, and a drier climate. The results were interesting and have implications for several models of incipient agriculture.
