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1 <br /> <br />' be replaced by evidence of markedly different technological <br />adaptations and subsistence strategies. During this time much of <br />' North America was affected by an accelerated continental warming <br />trend, the Altithermal episode, which resulted in ecological <br />changes. The lifeway that developed in response to these <br />conditions during the Early Archaic period was characterized by <br />increased dependence on small mammals and wild plants. A decrease <br />in the exploitation of the plains region and increased utilization <br />of foothills and montane environments is characteristic of this <br />period. (Larson et al. 1992; Benedict and Olson 1978; Benedict <br />1979; Kehoe 1981). <br />t The general hunting and gathering lifeway that evolved during <br />the Early Archaic period persisted with only minor alterations <br />' throughout the Middle and Late Archaic periods. Cultural variation <br />during this stage is indicated by changes in projectile point <br />' morphology and by increased exploitation and settlement of plains <br />regions during the milder climatic episodes that followed the <br />' Altithermal. <br />Sites or site components attributed to the Middle Archaic <br />period (5,000-3,000 years B.P.) are well documented in eastern <br />Colorado, particularly along the North and South Platte drainages. <br />' A generalized hunting and gathering lifeway continued in eastern <br />Colorado during the Late Archaic Period (3,000-2000 years B.P.). <br />Summarizing the work of several researchers, Eighmy (1969:62-63) <br />notes that Late Archaic camp sites in eastern Colorado tend to <br />cluster on stream terraces, while relatively briefly occupied <br />' lithic scatters are found more often on ridge tops. <br />' 3.1.3 Ceramic Stage <br />The termination of the Archaic Stage in Eastern Colorado is <br />' indicated by the occurrence of three roughly contemporaneous events <br />' 24 <br />1 <br />