Historical links between Ethnobiology and Evolution: Conflicts and possible resolutions.

Area of Science:

• Integrates evolutionary biology with ethnobiology and Indigenous knowledge systems.
• Focuses on ecological and behavioral aspects of evolution, complementing molecular approaches.

Background:

• Traditional ethnobiological studies often overlook contemporary evolutionary biology.
• Existing evolutionary perspectives in ethnobiology have primarily focused on human population changes and impacts on utilized plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and discuss recent developments in evolutionary thinking applicable to ethnobiology.
• To bridge the gap between evolutionary biology and ethnobiological research, particularly concerning conservation.
• To highlight the potential of integrating Indigenous knowledge with evolutionary concepts.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of recent advancements in evolutionary theory.
• Examination of how concepts such as individual-based natural selection, niche construction, and reticulate evolution can be applied to ethnobiology.
• Discussion of the alignment between these evolutionary concepts and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Main Results:

• Recent evolutionary concepts offer new frameworks for understanding population dynamics and microevolutionary change.
• Niche construction provides a novel perspective on how organisms influence natural selection.
• Reticulate evolution aligns with Indigenous understandings of interconnectedness and relationships among life forms.

Conclusions:

• Integrating advanced evolutionary concepts with ethnobiology and Indigenous knowledge can yield novel insights into conservation, especially in the context of climate change.
• Ethnobotanical research is uniquely positioned to contribute to evolutionary studies through its focus on behavior and ecology.
• Collaborations with Indigenous peoples are crucial for developing effective global conservation practices.