Modeling dispersal in the prehistoric West Indies

Abstract

In an effort to study population movements in the prehistoric West Indies, a model that describes dispersal under two specific sets of conditions was deduced from the Verhulst‐Pearl logistic equation of density‐dependent population growth ‐ the same equation that previously gave us the carrying‐capacity concept and r‐ and K‐selection model. Population expansion in the prehistoric West Indies is shown to have occurred at a rapid pace during which only the most highly ranked resources were pursued. These conclusions contradict the conventional wisdom and provide insights into the economic, social and political foundations of Taino culture.