Status Updates From Guns, Germs, and Steel: The...

Ch 2 focused on env factors of development showcasing how sparse population maintained simple politics relying on hunter gatherer techniques while densely populated areas were pushed to create complex politics and specialization. Over time more complex civilizations carried war tendencies to simple civilizations often wiping out or taking control of the small population. Islands also offered dif advan. For developmn

The argument of development based on a head start is complex because while Africa had the most time to develop, the Americas had the most land and greatest env diversity, similar to Europe. Noting that while Europe ends up with this “head start” it is not an expected reason.

Argues heavy on no American pre Clovis sites ; “it would have become obvious at many locations by now,and we would not still be arguing.”

Alt theories bring climate change

In Australia and New Guinea large mammal extinction coincides with the arrival of people (unfearing due to large size and lack of exposure to humans) 30,000 years ago. While in the americas (spec. North plains) extinction is seen around 11,000-14000 years ago coinciding with Siberian crossing of the land bridge or strait (Alaska) and working sw.

I want to look more into Māori history and Siberian history