Scaling of Hunter-Gatherer Camp Size and Human Sociality

One of the most common tendencies human settlements is for larger to display higher population densities. Work in urban science and archaeology suggests that this densification pattern reflects an emergent spatial equilibrium where individuals balance movement costs with social interaction benefits, leading increases aggregate productivity interdependence. The temporary camps created by hunters gatherers exhibit a tendency become less dense their size. different manner which hunter-gatherer groups express sociality residential space they typically lack structures material technologies necessary humans live at greater densities permanent settlements. Here we examine why difference occurs consider conditions under may transition sedentism densification. We investigate relationship between area using data set representing large cross-cultural sample derived from ethnographic literature. present model based on interplay interactions scalar stress describes observed patterns among mobile hunter-gatherers. find scheme does not involve domestic food production, only surpluses storable resources.