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<br />Evidence vac noted during the survey auggeaeing the presence <br />of deer and elk. Several varieties of birds, rodents, sad reptiles <br />were also observed. <br />This brief discussion of the local ecology is fundamental to <br />understanding patterns of human adaptation and exploitation. Occupants <br />of the study area prior to European contact were particsslarly sensi- <br />tive to the constraints imposed by their natural envircament. The <br />archaeological record, when complete, should reflect these constraints <br />is the distribution of aectlemeat as evidenced by the patterned <br />location of activities and associated cultural materials. Of course, <br />present-day emri.ronments do not necessarily reflect those of the past, <br />but they are likely to be characteristic of the most recent period <br />of prehistoric cultural development. Therefore, we may assume that <br />settlement in the viciaitq of the reeoxmaissance area described <br />herein depended upon a aeasoaal exploitation of Gambel's oak, <br />aervieeberry, and associated seed plants. These products were aupple- <br />• <br />meated by numerous faunal species. Mule deer, rabbits sad hares <br />probably played as iaroortaae role is the prehistoric diet. <br />The extreme nature of the vertical relief vhich characterizes <br />the area may have further restricted occupation. Prehistoric <br />mobility was significantly constrained by locsl topography (tiuscher, <br />1939) and in the area of this survey vas probably limited to east- <br />west travel along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Steep <br />canyon walls probably rendered the area accessible only during <br />Che auger months when foot travel vas possible via narrov flood- <br />plain areas along the river's perixeter. 14iese conditions are <br />• 1Z <br />