| Abstract: |
Hypothesized that the transition toward sedentism and agriculture with improved weaning food contributing to a shorter birth interval. Proposed that changes in Amerindian pottery technology created thinner-walled vessels, with improved heat transfer, and therefore improved preparation of a "weaning gruel". This allowed for earlier weaning, and this increased fertility. In addition though, with an increase in carbohydrates is an increase in caries and increased calculus at a younger age. This allows for two interpretation then: increased attrition and/or earlier onset of attrition due to earlier weaning
or decreased attrition because of the availability of softer, more processed foodstuffs.
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