Bruce David Smith

Researches interaction between past societies and spatial distribution of settlements and subsistence activities in ancient landscapes. Studies human patterns of reliance on plant and animal species and effect on biotic communities. Research considers major transition episodes at regional scale. Recent focus is initial domestication of plants in both the eastern United States and Mexico and subsequent dispersal into neighboring areas. Currently studying agricultural origins worldwide, including biological and archaeological approaches to plant and animal domestication and middle-ground era between hunting-gathering and agriculture. Uses biological and cultural evolutionary theory to examine human role in shaping biodiversity and modifying landscapes.