Modeling Foraging Ranges and Spatial Organization of Late Pleistocene Hunter gatherers in the Southern Levant - A Least-Cost GIS Approach

It may state two separate claims as one.

Foraging catchment habitat heterogeneity is significantly different by region, greatest in the Central Area and least in the Western Area.

“Foraging catchment habitat heterogeneity (measured by taking the mean of all values) is also significantly different by regiongreatest in the Central Area, and least in the Western Area (Figure 6).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

West of the Levantine Rift, foraging ranges are intermediate, with a one-day mean of 625 sq km and a total two-day mean of 2,063 sq km, and this sample has the greatest variance in results.

“West of the Levantine Rift, intermediate values exist (with a one-day mean foraging area of 625 sq km, and a total two-day mean foraging area of 2,063 sq km); moreover, this sample also has the greatest variance in results (see Table 1).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The Eastern Area has the largest foraging ranges, with a one-day mean of 884 sq km and a total two-day mean of 3,843 sq km.

“Not surprisingly, the Central Areathose sites within the Levantine Rift systemhave the smallest foraging range (with a one-day mean foraging area of 310 sq km, and a total two-day mean foraging area of 1,583 sq km), while those in the Eastern Area have the largest foraging ranges (with a one-day mean foraging area of 884 sq km, and a total two-day mean foraging area of 3,843 sq km).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The mean maximum one-day foraging range across the 25 sites is 638 sq km, and adding two-day ranges increases the total two-day maximum foraging catchment to 2,692 sq km (an additional 2,054 sq km).

“Overall, the mean maximum one-day foraging range is 638 sq km, increasing another 2,054 sq km when the two-day foraging ranges are added for a total 2day maximum foraging catchment of 2,692 sq km.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The differences in maximum one-day and two-day foraging ranges between the three regions are statistically significant (one-day ANOVA p < 0.000, df = 2, F = 19.041; two-day ANOVA p < 0.000, df = 2, F = 27.145).

“These differences are statistically significant at one-day maximum foraging ranges (analysis of variance [ANOVA] p < 0.000, df = 2, F = 19.041)and two-day maximum foraging ranges (ANOVA p < 0.000, df = 2, F = 27.145).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Glacial maximum vegetation associations, especially forested and woodland areas, were much more restricted than today, with forested areas concentrated in the western portion of the region and distinctive park woodlands present and pervasive in the Central Area.

“Glacial maximum vegetation associations and particularly the distribution of forested and woodland areas were much more restricted than today, with forested areas concentrated in the western portion of the region, and distinctive park woodlands present and pervasive in the Central Area (Figure 4).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Paleohabitat modeling reveals that both habitat heterogeneity and potential productivity vary greatly across the southern Levant.

“However, paleohabitat modeling reveals that both habitat heterogeneity and potential productivity also vary greatly across the southern Levant (see Figure 6).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The Eastern Area has intermediate values for range of habitats and the lowest percentage of the two most common paleovegetation zones, Moist and Dry steppe (71%).

“The Eastern Area has intermediate values with respect to range of habitats and the lowest percentage of the two most common paleovegetation zones -Moist and Dry steppe (71%).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

In the Central Area, Oak-Rosaceae park woodland steppe and Terebinth-almond woodland are the two most common habitats and together comprise 78% of the one-day foraging range.

“The two most common habitats are Oak-Rosaceae park woodland steppe and Terebinth-almond woodland and together they comprise 78% of the one-day foraging range.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The Eastern Area has much larger daily foraging ranges: the one-day extent is almost three times that of the Central Area, and the two-day maximum extent is almost two times that of the Western Area.

“Finally, the Eastern Area has much larger daily foraging ranges (the one-day extent almost three times that of the Central Area, and the two-day maximum extent almost two times that of the Western Area).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Over time, the two routes to the Mediterranean change, most notably with an even shorter northern path, while the Red Sea route remains effectively the same.

“Over time, the two routes to the Mediterranean change, most notably with an even shorter northern path; while the Red Sea route remains effectively the same.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The two-day foraging range is slightly more varied, but mostly with the inclusion of the desert zone and only a small amount of the moist steppe.

“The two-day foraging range is slightly more varied, but mostly with the inclusion of the desert zone and only a small amount of the moist steppe.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The eastward relocation scenario entails only a modest eight to 10 hours of travel time and is consistent with the presence of a number of small early Epipaleolithic sites along the marsh margins.

“However, this relocation scenario entails only a modest eight to 10 hours of travel time, and is consistent with the presence of a number of small early Epipaleolithic sites along the marsh margins.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The two-day maximum foraging range of Kharaneh IV extends to the springs and lake in the center of the basin, while the two-day range for Jilat 6 does not, ending near the lower Wadi Uwaynid.

“The major distinction is that the two-day maximum foraging range of Kharaneh IV extends to the springs and lake in the center of the basin, while the two-day range for Jilat 6 does not, ending near the lower Wadi Uwaynid (where other Nebekian sites have been documented).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Both Jilat 6 and Kharaneh IV are located not in the center of the Azraq Basin where the most extensive fresh water and riparian settings existed, but rather in the western portion of the basin.

“With respect to a consideration of foraging ranges, both Jilat 6 and Kharaneh IV are located not in the center of the Azraq Basin where the most extensive fresh water and riparian settings existed, but rather in the western portion of the basin.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Minimum travel time estimates to the woodland steppe are around 11-12 hours, and 13-15 hours to reach the park woodland.

“Minimum travel time estimates to the woodland steppe are around 11-12 hours, and 13-15 hours to reach the park woodland (see Figure 10).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Cereals and legumes were available in late-spring and early summer, while nuts such as pistachios and almonds were available in the fall.

It may state two separate claims as one.

Park woodland was not present directly to the west or southwest; the nearest woodland was to the northwest along the edge of the Wadi Zarka drainage basin or further northwest near the uplands of the Yarmouk River.

“It was not present directly to the west or to the southwest.Instead, the nearest woodland was to the northwest along the edge of the Wadi Zarka drainage basin or even further to the northwest near the uplands of the Yarmouk River.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Daily foraging extent, vegetation zones, and habitat heterogeneity differed significantly within the southern Levant during the Last Glacial Maximum.

“Third, daily foraging extent, vegetation zones, and habitat heterogeneity differed significantly within the southern Levant during the Last Glacial Maximum.”

Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

The geographical distribution of vegetation zones altered in response to lower temperatures and lower precipitation levels across the region, although reduced evaporation partly counterbalanced the latter.

“The geographical distribution of these vegetation zones will also have altered in response to lower temperatures and lower precipitation levels across the region, although the latter is partly counterbalanced by the impact of reduced evaporation levels on effective moisture regimes.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The maximum one-day foraging extent is particularly effective in characterizing the area of daily plant resource procurement and the area within which most members of the camp conduct daily foraging.

“The maximum one-day foraging extent is particularly effective in characterizing the area of daily plant resource procurement, and the area within which most members of the camp conduct daily foraging (Kelly, 2013).”

• cites Kelly, 2013Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

Greater annual residential camp movement is anticipated with high resource homogeneity and year-round availability, while fewer residential relocations and increased use of a collector strategy are expected when resources are patchy or highly seasonal.

“Generally, greater annual residential camp movement is anticipated with high resource homogeneity and year-round availability, while fewer residential relocations (and increased use of a collector strategy to acquire resources) are expected when resources are patchy or highly seasonal.”

• cites Kelly, 2013Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Zeenah, 2004Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

Travel time is a key factor in understanding foraging decisions tied to central places, highlighting the need to model the extent and nature of foraging areas around base camps.

“Notably, travel time becomes a key factor in understanding foraging decisions tied to central places, highlighting the need to model the extent and nature of foraging areas around base camps.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

Patch searching and intensive foraging efforts would reduce effective daily foraging.

“Patch searching and intensive foraging efforts, of course, would certainly reduce effective daily foraging.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

A similar gradient in vegetation existed in the Last Glacial Maximum as in present vegetation communities, although the detailed composition of plant communities will have changed.

“On the basis of the gradient seen in present vegetation communities across the region which relates closely to physiography and rainfall (Hillman in Moore et al., 2000:49-73;Zohary, 1973; see also second column in Table 3), we have suggested a similar gradient in the Last Glacial Maximum, although being very aware that the detailed composition of the plant communities will have changed.”

• cites Hillman in Moore et al., 2000Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Zohary, 1973Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

The paleoreconstructions and resulting foraging ranges are estimates; they represent only one point in time; and environmental conditions certainly varied during circa 24,000-18,000 cal BP.

“We recognize that the paleoreconstructions and resulting foraging ranges are estimates; that they represent only one point in time; and that environmental conditions certainly varied during the time frame of discussion (circa 24,000-18,000 cal BP).”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

The study examined only a sample of sites in the region assigned to this time frame, subjectively selecting those from a variety of settings to provide sufficient geographic coverage.

“It is also acknowledged that we have examined only a sample of the sites in the region assigned to this time frame, subjectively selecting those from a variety of settings to provide sufficient geographic coverage.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The 25 selected sites provide sufficient geographic coverage to identify regional trends in the southern Levant.

Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

Central place foraging models assume that hunter-gatherers aim to maximize their foraging efforts, and such models provide optimal solutions to efforts to look for, acquire, and transport resources.

“The basic premise is that hunter-gatherers aim to maximize their foraging efforts, and such models provide optimal solutions to efforts to look for, acquire, and transport resources.”

• cites Bettinger et al., 1997 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Morgan, 2009 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Orians and Pearson, 1979Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

The Natufian is widely recognized as the region's first complex sedentary hunter-gatherers, and it laid the foundation for the Levantine early Neolithic, the world's earliest farmers near the start of the Holocene circa 11,600 cal BP.

“The Natufian is widely recognized as the region's first complex sedentary hunter-gatherers, and the Natufian laid the foundation for the Levantine early Neolithic, the world's earliest farmers near the start of the Holocene circa 11,600 cal BP (Bar-Yosef and Valla, 2013;Belfer-Cohen and Goring-Morris, 2011;Byrd, 2005).”

• cites Bar-Yosef and Valla, 2013Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Belfer-Cohen and Goring-Morris, 2011 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Byrd, 2005 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

It may state two separate claims as one.

Epipaleolithic studies in the Levant have been limited, notably including early site catchment work, seasonal settlement shifts in the Hisma, and hypotheses about annual ranges focusing on the Mediterranean coast or the Levant as a whole.

“In the Levant, such Epipaleolithic studies have been limited, and notably include the early site catchment work of Vita Finzi and Higgs (1970), reconstructing seasonal settlement shifts in the Hisma of southern Jordan (Henry, 1995:426-437), and hypothesizing potential spatial orientation and extent of annual ranges focusing either on the Mediterranean coast (Goring-Morris, 2009:85-86) or the Lev”

• cites Vita Finzi and Higgs (1970) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Henry, 1995Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Goring-Morris, 2009Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

Variation in LGM adaptive patterns could have included relative reliance on fusion-fission strategies, seasonality of relocation tactics, number of moves per year, and importance of group territoriality.

“Such variation could have included the relative reliance on fusion-fission strategies, the seasonality of relocation tactics, the number of moves per year, and the importance of group territoriality.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

Most traits of the Natufian (architecture, mortars and pestles, onsite burials, grave goods) had their origins earlier in the Epipaleolithic.

“There is also a widespread recognition that most traits of the Natufian (architecture, mortars and pestles, onsite burials, grave goods) had their origins earlier in the Epipaleolithic (Maher et al., 2012b).”

• cites Maher et al., 2012bNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

The time span from 24,000-18,000 cal BP is culturally transitional in the Levant, encompassing the end of the late Upper Paleolithic and the start of the Epipaleolithic.

“This time span is considered to be culturally transitional in the Levant, as it encompasses the end of the late Upper Paleolithic (circa 30,000-21,300 cal BP) and start of the Epipaleolithic (circa 24,000/21,300 -11,600 cal BP; Garrard and Byrd, 2013;Goring-Morris and Belfer-Cohen, 2003;Goring-Morris et al., 2009).”

• cites Garrard and Byrd, 2013Not checked — no full text of the source
• cites Goring-Morris and Belfer-Cohen, 2003Not checked — no full text of the source
• cites Goring-Morris et al., 2009Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

There was much climatic variation within the Last Glacial Maximum, and the map shown represents only one part of the spectrum.

“It is appreciated that there was much climatic variation within the Last Glacial Maximum and what is shown in the map will only represent one part of the spectrum.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

A number of critical factors beyond physiography and rainfall are significant in the location of plant communities, and the paleovegetation map is only an approximation.

“It is also understood that a number of critical factors beyond physiography and rainfall are significant in the location of plant communities, but it is hoped that this will give an approximation to the palaeovegetation of the time.”

Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

Actual travelways are corridors with breadth, and other factors invariably play a role in determining routes.

“Actual travelways, of course, are corridors with breadth, and other factors invariably play a role in determining routes.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

The Azraq Basin has the two largest and most impressive early Epipaleolithic sites in the southern Levant, Kharaneh IV and Jilat 6, which greatly contrast with the typical small size of all other sites of this time period.

“This internal drainage basin is noteworthy in that it has the two largest and most impressive early Epipaleolithic sites in the southern Levant -Kharaneh IV and Jilat 6and they greatly contrast from the typical small size of all other sites of this time period (Byrd and Garrard, 1990;Garrard and Byrd, 1992).”

• cites Byrd and Garrard, 1990Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Garrard and Byrd, 1992 sourceCheck pending

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

Kharaneh IV and Jilat 6, and the Azraq Basin as a whole, have quite different early Epipaleolithic microlithic flaked stone tool manufacturing traditions.

“Moreover, these two sites (and the basin as a whole) have quite different early Epipaleolithic microlithic flaked stone tool manufacturing traditions.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

Kharaneh IV and Jilat 6 are characterized by thick middens, features, and structures indicative of substantial and sustained occupation, and are often referred to as aggregation sites focused on the exploitation of gazelle herds.

“They are also characterized by thick middens, features, and structuresall indicative of substantial and sustained occupationand are often referred to as aggregation sites focused on the exploitation of gazelle herds (Garrard and Byrd, 2013;Maher et al., 2012a;Martin et al., 2010;Muheisen, 1988;Richter et al., 2013).”

• cites Garrard and Byrd, 2013Not checked — no full text of the source
• cites Maher et al., 2012aNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Martin et al., 2010 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

It may state two separate claims as one.

Seasonal relocations into different habitats in the Western Area would have been more costly and less likely because they would have required much longer moves.

“Seasonal relocations into different habitats would have been more costly and less likely as they would have required much longer moves.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Tethering by water sources may have reduced the number of residential moves per year as groups tolerated declining daily return rates for foraging and increased the incentive for logistical forays.

“This may have reduced the number of residential moves per yearas groups were willing to tolerate declining daily return rates for foragingand increased the incentive for logistical forays.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The larger area covered within the two-day maximum foraging range in the Eastern Area benefited logistical forays and increased the probability of encountering large game, which were more often present in groups/herds than in the Central and Western Areas.

“At the same time, the larger area that could be covered within the two-day maximum foraging range benefited logistical forays and increased the probability of encountering large game, which more often was present in groups/herds than in the Central and Western Areas.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Central Area inhabitants would have placed considerable reliance on logistical forays and/or employed seasonally based tactics to move residences between nearby habitats during an annual round.

“This would entail placing considerable reliance on logistical forays (particularly to acquire resources within nearby productive habitats) and/or employing seasonally based tactics to move residences from one nearby habitat to another during an annual round (Kelly, 2013).”

• cites Kelly, 2013Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

Residential mobility within the Western Area was most likely higher than within the Central Area, and moves were typically short in distance and within the same habitat.

“Therefore, it is most likely that residential mobility within the Western Area was higher than within the Central Area, and that moves were typically short in distance and within the same habitat.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Habitat productivity for hunter-gatherers is lower in densely forested vegetation zones because such habitats typically have lower densities of seeds, nuts, and larger game.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

At Kharaneh IV, microliths have been classified as Kebaran.

“At Kharaneh IV these microliths have been classified as Kebaran (Maher et al., 2012a;Muheisen, 1988;Richter et al., 2013), while at Jilat 6 they are considered Nebekian and Nizzanan, the latter considered to be closely related but occurring slightly later in time (Garrard and Byrd, 2013).”

• cites Maher et al., 2012aNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Muheisen, 1988Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Richter et al., 2013 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

This even representation is consistent with results from Nebekian sites further south in the eastern Levant.

“This is consistent with results from Nebekian sites further south in the eastern Levant (Reese, 1995(Reese, , 2014)).”

• cites Reese, 1995 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Reese, 2014Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

At Jilat 6, microliths are considered Nebekian and Nizzanan, with Nizzanan closely related but occurring slightly later in time.

“At Kharaneh IV these microliths have been classified as Kebaran (Maher et al., 2012a;Muheisen, 1988;Richter et al., 2013), while at Jilat 6 they are considered Nebekian and Nizzanan, the latter considered to be closely related but occurring slightly later in time (Garrard and Byrd, 2013).”

• cites Garrard and Byrd, 2013Not checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

Issues of territoriality and the nature of regional interaction may have played a role in shaping adaptive patterns in the Azraq Basin.

“As such, issues of territoriality and the nature of regional interaction may have also played a role in shaping adaptive patterns.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

Kebaran sites are documented mainly in the more mesic Western and Central Areas of the southern Levant, while Nebekian sites appear to be primarily if not exclusively concentrated in the more arid Eastern Area.

“This perception is reinforced by the fact that Kebaran sites are documented mainly in the more mesic Western and Central Areas of the Southern Levant, while Nebekian sites appear to be primarily if not exclusively concentrated in the more arid Eastern Area (see Figure 4).”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

It is uncertain if specific occupation events at Kharaneh IV and Jilat 6 were absolutely contemporaneous owing to the precision of radiocarbon dating results.

“It should be noted that it is uncertain if specific occupation events at Kharaneh IV and Jilat 6 were absolutely contemporaneous owing to the precision of radiocarbon dating results (Garrard and Byrd, 2013;Richter et al., 2013).”

• cites Garrard and Byrd, 2013Not checked — no full text of the source
• cites Richter et al., 2013 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

The Azraq Basin is presently the only place where both Kebaran and Nebekian traditions are well documented.

“In fact, the Azraq Basin is presently the only place where both traditions are well documented (Garrard and Byrd, 2013;Richter et al., 2010Richter et al., , 2011a)).”

• cites Garrard and Byrd, 2013Not checked — no full text of the source
• cites Richter et al., 2010 sourceCheck pending
• cites Richter et al., 2011aNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

Occupation of Jilat 6 and Kharaneh IV undoubtedly took place for only a portion of the year, likely representing an aggregation settlement with a heavy emphasis on targeting locally available gazelle herds in the dry steppe.

“Instead, occupation undoubtedly took place for only a portion of the year, likely representing an aggregation settlement and with a heavy emphasis on targeting locally available gazelle herds in the dry steppe (Garrard and Byrd, 1992;Martin, et al. 2010).”

• cites Garrard and Byrd, 1992 sourceCheck pending
• cites Martin, et al. 2010 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

It may state two separate claims as one.

These results are indicative of different regional social networks/interaction spheres and raise the likelihood that some forms of territoriality may have existed.

“These results are indicative of different regional social networks/interaction spheres and raise the likelihood that some forms of territoriality may have existed (Whallon, 2006).”

• cites Whallon, 2006 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

It may state two separate claims as one.

Foraging further north or south within the dry steppe is considered unlikely because seasonal constraints remain largely the same, and to the south they would quickly impinge on the foraging range of early Epipaleolithic sites near Lake Hasa.

“Foraging further north or south within the dry steppe is considered unlikely since seasonal constraints remain largely the same, and on the south they would quickly be impinging on the foraging range of early Epipaleolithic sites near Lake Hasa.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

It is unlikely that either Jilat 6 or Kharaneh IV were occupied throughout each year.

“Although the archaeological data from both sites are representative of intensive occupation near local fresh water sources, it is unlikely that either were occupied throughout each year.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Although the central basin locality would allow occupation during the drier summer months owing to a perennial water supply, many key resources there would have been most plentiful during other seasons.

“Although this locality would allow occupation during the drier summer months owing to a perennial water supply, many of the key resources here would have been most plentiful during other seasons.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The pattern of Mediterranean species initially dominating the Kebaran occupation of Kharaneh IV lends credence to the expectation of different groups occupying the basin, with at least the initial occupation of Kharaneh IV represented by a group whose regional orientation may have been more east-west focused; over time this orientation shifts to north-south trade and exchange-level interaction.

“This pattern of Mediterranean species initially dominating the Kebaran occupation of Kharaneh IV lends credence to the expectation of different groups occupying the basin, with at least the initial occupation of Kharaneh IV represented by a group whose regional orientation interaction may have been more east-west focused; over time this orientation shifts to north-south trade and exchange-level”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The two most likely scenarios for the rest of the annual settlement system involve capitalizing on different resource sets and entail either repositioning to the east or to the west.

“The two most likely scenarios involve capitalizing on different resource sets, and entail either repositioning to the east or to the west (Figure 10).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

For a western relocation, the most likely scenario from a least-cost perspective, assuming some level of territoriality, would entail Jilat 6 inhabitants dispersing northeast to the uplands of the Wadi Hidan, and those from Kharaneh IV dispersing to the Wadi Zarqa uplands.

“For a western relocation, the most likely scenario from a least-cost perspective, and assuming some level of territoriality, would entail Jilat 6 inhabitants dispersing northeast to the uplands of the Wadi Hidan, and those from Kharaneh IV dispersing to the Wadi Zarqa uplands.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Cereals and legumes were available in late-spring and early summer, while nuts such as pistachios and almonds were available in the fall.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

Each of these drainage catchments are large and well-watered, and well-suited for varied occupation events.

“Each of these drainage catchments are large and well-watered, and well-suited for varied occupation events.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The assumption that Jilat 6 inhabitants lacked access to the central basin appears unlikely because both Nebekian and Kebaran sites have been documented there, indicating at least some use by both groups.

“With respect to the central basin, this assumption appears unlikely since both Nebekian and Kebaran sites have been documented here indicating at least some use by both groups (Richter, 2011a;Rollefson et al., 2001).”

• cites Richter, 2011aNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Rollefson et al., 2001Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

Several relocation options were available to access woodland steppe during the early Epipaleolithic, including the uplands in the Wadi el Hidan directly to the west, the Wadi Mujib uplands to the southwest, and the Wadi Zarka uplands to the northwest.

“Several relocation options were available to access woodland steppe during the early Epipaleolithic including the uplands in the Wadi el Hidan directly to the west, the Wadi Mujib uplands to the southwest, and the Wadi Zarka uplands to the northwest.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

At 15,000 cal BP, the Lake Lisan (Dead Sea) shoreline elevation was -285 m relative to modern mean sea level.

“-200 -285 -400 Bartov et al., 2002”

• cites Bartov et al., 2002 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

It may state two separate claims as one.

At 21,000 cal BP, the moist steppe vegetation zone corresponds to a modern isohyet of 150-200 and a modeled boundary of 175-300.

“Moist steppe 150-200 175-300”

• cites Hillman in Moore (2000:49-73)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Bar-Matthews et al. (1999, 2003)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Hillman (1996)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

At 21,000 cal BP, the dense deciduous Oak-Rosaceae woodland vegetation zone corresponds to a modern isohyet of 400-600 and a modeled boundary of 500-700.

“Dense deciduous Oak-Rosaceae woodland 400-600 500-700”

• cites Hillman in Moore (2000:49-73)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Bar-Matthews et al. (1999, 2003)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Hillman (1996)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The relative importance of a fission-fusion adaptive strategy varied spatially and was most commonly employed within the Eastern Area.

“The relative importance of a fission-fusion adaptive strategy also undoubtedly varied spatially, and was most commonly employed within the Eastern Area.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

At 21,000 cal BP, the Terebinth-almond woodland steppe vegetation zone corresponds to a modern isohyet of 200-300 and a modeled boundary of 300-400.

“Terebinth-almond woodland steppe 200-300 300-400”

• cites Hillman in Moore (2000:49-73)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Bar-Matthews et al. (1999, 2003)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Hillman (1996)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

Residential mobility (number of moves per year) and distance per move are predicted to be greatest in the Western Area owing to pervasive habitat homogeneity and least in the Central Area given the heterogeneity/patchiness of resource distribution.

“Residential mobility (as measured by the number of moves per year) and the distance per move is predicted to be the greatest in the Western Area owing to pervasive habitat homogeneity and least in the Central Area (falling within the Levantine Rift Valley) given the heterogeneity/patchiness of resource distribution.”

Probably not a substantial claim.

The relative reliance on animal resources was greatest in the Eastern Area versus the other two areas.

“It is further predicted that the relative reliance on animal resources was greatest in the Eastern Area versus the other two areas.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

At 21,000 cal BP, the coastal sand dunes vegetation zone has no modern isohyet range (na).

“Coastal sand dunes na”

• cites Hillman in Moore (2000:49-73)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Bar-Matthews et al. (1999, 2003)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Hillman (1996)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

If inhabitants in the Central Area followed the dictums of central place theory, increasingly relying on logistical procurement tactics rather than seasonal relocations within different habitats, then they may have been preadapted to more sedentary conditions.

“Similarly, if inhabitants in the Central Area followed the dictums of central place theoryincreasingly relying on logistical procurement tactics rather than seasonal relocations within different habitatsthen they may have been preadapted to more sedentary conditions.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

In the Azraq Basin, this fission-fusion strategy appears to have been driven by seasonal availability of large gazelle herds and by tethering major settlement to infrequent well-watered localities.

“In the Azraq Basin this appears to have been driven by seasonal availability of large gazelle herds and by tethering major settlement to infrequent well-watered localities.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

At 21,000 cal BP, the dry steppe vegetation zone corresponds to a modern isohyet of 100-150 and a modeled boundary of 75-175.

“Dry steppe 100-150 75-175”

• cites Hillman in Moore (2000:49-73)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Bar-Matthews et al. (1999, 2003)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Hillman (1996)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

At 21,000 cal BP, the Lake Lisan (Dead Sea) shoreline elevation was -200 m relative to modern mean sea level.

“-200 -285 -400 Bartov et al., 2002”

• cites Bartov et al., 2002 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

Average daily foraging ranges will always be smaller than maximum foraging ranges, especially if foraging has considerable search, collection, or field processing time.

“Average daily foraging ranges, of course, will always be smaller, especially if foraging has considerable search, collection, or field processing time.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

Such a wide-ranging annual settlement structure bears some similarity to reconstructions offered by Goring-Morris in the western Levant.

“Such a wide-ranging annual settlement structure also bears some similarity to reconstructions offered by Goring-Morris (2009;Goring-Morris et al., 2009) in the western Levant.”

• cites Goring-Morris, 2009Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Goring-Morris et al., 2009Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim.

The modeled distances are maximum foraging areas based on how long one walks and still gets back to camp at the end of one or two days, assuming a maximum of eight hours of walking per day.

“It is also important to keep in mind that these are maximum foraging areas and that the distances are modeled based on how long one walks (and still get back to camp at the end of one or two days assuming a maximum of eight hours of walking per day).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

At 21,000 cal BP, the Montane and Eu-Mediterranean forest vegetation zone corresponds to a modern isohyet of >600 and a modeled boundary of >700.

“Montane and Eu-Mediterranean forest >600 >700”

• cites Hillman in Moore (2000:49-73)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Bar-Matthews et al. (1999, 2003)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Hillman (1996)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

At 21,000 cal BP, the Oak-Rosaceae park woodland steppe vegetation zone corresponds to a modern isohyet of 300-400 and a modeled boundary of 400-500.

“Oak-Rosaceae park woodland steppe 300-400 400-500”

• cites Hillman in Moore (2000:49-73)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Bar-Matthews et al. (1999, 2003)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Hillman (1996)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

At 15,000 cal BP, the Lake Beit Shean, Jordan Valley shoreline elevation was -250 m relative to modern mean sea level.

“Lake Beit Shean, Jordan Valley na -250 None Bartov et al., 2002;Hazan et al., 2005”

• cites Bartov et al., 2002 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Hazan et al., 2005 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

It may state two separate claims as one.

At 21,000 cal BP, the desert vegetation zone corresponds to a modern isohyet of <100 and a modeled boundary of 0-75.

“Desert <100 0-75”

• cites Hillman in Moore (2000:49-73)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Bar-Matthews et al. (1999, 2003)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Hillman (1996)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The use of logistical forays to acquire resources is likely to have been most pervasive in the Central Area, and also a commonly employed strategy in the Eastern Area.

“Similarly, the use of logistical forays to acquire resources is likely to have been most pervasive in the Central Area, and also a commonly employed strategy in the Eastern Area.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

At 11,500 cal BP, the Lake Lisan (Dead Sea) shoreline elevation was -400 m relative to modern mean sea level.

“-200 -285 -400 Bartov et al., 2002”

• cites Bartov et al., 2002 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

It may state two separate claims as one.

Annual territory was greatest in the Eastern Area owing to lower overall productivity and greater reliance on game, and smallest in the Central Area given the terrain and diversity of productive habitats available within a relatively restricted area.

“It also follows logically, that annual territory was greatest in the Eastern Area (owing to lower overall productivity and the greater reliance on game) and the smallest in the Central Area (given the terrain and the diversity of productive habitats available within a relatively restricted area).”

Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

Such activities may also reflect the need for additional mechanisms to enhance social interaction within the mating groups of the southern Levant that were the most spatially dispersed.

“Such activities may also reflect the need for additional mechanisms to enhance social interaction within the mating groups of the southern Levant that were the most spatially dispersed (Pearce, 2014).”

• cites Pearce, 2014 sourceNot checked yet