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Evidence was noced during [he survey suggesting the presence <br />• <br />of deer and elk. Several varieties of birds, rodents, and reptiles <br />were also observed. <br />This brief discussion of the local ecology is fundas~ntal to <br />LJ <br />understanding patterns of human adaptation and exploitation. Occupants <br />of the study area prior to European contact were particularly sensi- <br />tive to the constraints imposed by their natural environment. The <br />archaeological record, when complete, should reflect these constraints <br />in the distribution of settlement as evidenced by the patterned <br />location of activities and assoclated cultural materials. Of course, <br />present-day environments do not necessarily reflect those of the pas[, <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 vicinity of the reconnaissance area described <br />herein depended upon a seasonal exploitation of Gambel's oak, <br />serviceberry, and associated seed plants. These products were supple- <br />mented by nua~rous faunal species. Mule deer, rabbits and hares <br />probably played an important role in the prehistoric diet. <br />The extreme nature of the vertical relief which characterizes <br />r, <br />U <br />the area may have further restricted occupation. Prehistoric <br />mobility was significantly constrained by local topography (Huscher, <br />1939) and in the area of this survey was probably limited to east- <br />oast travel along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Steep <br />canyon walls probably rendered the area accessible only during <br />the sua~er months when foot travel was possible via narrow flood- <br />plain areas along the river's perimeter <br />These conditions are <br />12 <br />