Big Game, Small Game: Why It Matters

Abstract

Though today the assumption that “bigger equals better” when it comes to animal prey is often equated with optimal foraging theory, this expectation has long been present in archaeolology. In this chapter, I explore the history of the bigger is better concept and its relationship to the Broad Spectrum Revolution hypothesis. I review initial approaches to the Broad Spectrum Revolution and then turn to more recent studies, including both prey choice and niche construction perspectives on the transition to broad spectrum diets.