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A paleoeconomic theory of co-evolution and extinction of domesticatable animals

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  • Horan, R.D.
  • Bulte, E.H.

    (Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management)

  • Shogren, J.F.

Abstract

One Pleistocene mystery is why early North Americans eradicated their large, potentially domesticable animals (e.g., horses), whereas early Europeans did not. A commonly‐held hypothesis is that European species were evasive due to co‐evolution with hominids, whereas North American animals were naïve and unable to adapt quickly enough when experienced human hunters arrived from Eurasia. We explore this hypothesis with a paleoeconomic model of co‐evolution that integrates human hunting investments and wildlife population responses. We find that investments in hunting ability, based on the relative scarcity of prey species, could have mattered more than wildlife ‘naivety’ in explaining the extinction.
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Suggested Citation

  • Horan, R.D. & Bulte, E.H. & Shogren, J.F., 2003. "A paleoeconomic theory of co-evolution and extinction of domesticatable animals," Other publications TiSEM 1acf662e-b6f4-4034-9b8c-8, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    • Handle: RePEc:tiu:tiutis:1acf662e-b6f4-4034-9b8c-8198543d83db
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