ABSTRACT
Bayon et al. (Reports, 9 March 2012, p. 1219) interpreted unusually high aluminum-potassium ratio values in an Atlantic sediment core as indicating anthropogenic deforestation around 2500 years before the present (B.P.). We argue that there is no terrestrial evidence for forest destruction by humans and that the third millennium B.P. rainforest crisis can be clearly attributed mostly to climatic change.
Subject(s)
Agriculture/history , Climate Change , Conservation of Natural Resources , Geologic Sediments/chemistry , Trees , HumansABSTRACT
Multidisciplinary investigations at Kuk Swamp in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea show that agriculture arose independently in New Guinea by at least 6950 to 6440 calibrated years before the present (cal yr B.P.). Plant exploitation and some cultivation occurred on the wetland margin at 10,220 to 9910 cal yr B.P. (phase 1), mounding cultivation began by 6950 to 6440 cal yr B.P. (phase 2), and ditched cultivation began by 4350 to 3980 cal yr B.P. (phase 3). Clearance of lower montane rainforests began in the early Holocene, with modification to grassland at 6950 to 6440 cal yr B.P. Taro (Colocasia esculenta) was utilized in the early Holocene, and bananas (Musa spp.) were intensively cultivated by at least 6950 to 6440 cal yr B.P.
Subject(s)
Agriculture/history , Colocasia , Crops, Agricultural/history , Musa , Archaeology , Climate , Colocasia/growth & development , Ecosystem , Fossils , Geologic Sediments , History, Ancient , Musa/growth & development , Papua New Guinea , Plants, EdibleABSTRACT
Reports results of a research project on a population of 81 Clinical pastoral Education students. Correlates demographic, training, and emotional variables with time usage. Discusses and interprets data and draws implications for CPE Supervisors and for CPE training programs.
