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Simplifying Complexity

Food webs, humans and cod - Part 2

Aug 19, 2024
Professor Jennifer Dunne, Vice President for Science at the Santa Fe Institute, shares her insights on human-centered interaction networks. She explores the fascinating connections between Indigenous cultures and non-human species, especially in Polynesia. The discussion spans Polynesian navigation, the evolution of food webs, and how canoes shaped Indigenous practices and trade. Jennifer also contrasts whale hunting technologies with sustainable techniques used by the Martu people, highlighting diverse approaches to ecological interactions and resource management.
41:02

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The research examines human-centered interaction networks in pre-industrial societies, revealing diverse ways humans engaged with non-human species beyond just feeding.
  • Technological advancements, such as canoe design, were significantly influenced by ecological conditions, shaping trade and cultural practices in Polynesian societies.

Deep dives

Human-Centered Interaction Networks in Polynesia

Research in the Sanac Archipelago led to insights into how humans interact with non-human species, particularly in the context of food webs. Collaborating with archaeologists and environmental scientists, a project was initiated to study human-centered interaction networks in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. By defining 13 primary ways in which pre-industrial humans interacted with species, such as for food, clothing, and tools, researchers aimed to understand these dynamics beyond mere feeding interactions. This framework allowed for a comprehensive exploration of the ecological context of human society and its evolution in relation to available resources.

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