Historical Ethnobiology

Historical Ethnobiology presents a unique approach to analyzing human-nature interactions, using theoretical and methodological aspects to examine historical scientific knowledge. This book disseminates the notion that past local narratives of biodiversity influence the determination of both historical and modern scientific decisions.

Beginning with a brief history of ethnobiology’s development, this book delves into conceptual models, historical knowledge areas, and the theoretical matrix of ethnobiology. This book also focuses on the importance of memory including topics of memory production by human in different epochs and how individual memory records contribute to social history and the understanding of the past effects of human interaction with nature. Looking ahead, it discusses the importance of records such as these for determining future mankind’s relationships with nature to preserve biodiversity and ensure conservation.

Historical Ethnobiology is the first book to focus on past human-nature interactions and their interpretations in today’s scientific culture. This book is an excellent resource for students and researchers in biology, ethnobiology, and anthropology.

• Presents an inclusive interpretation and use of historical botanical, zoological and geographical registers kept in institutions to reconnect the past with modern issues
• Illuminates documental analysis of past interactions between humans and nature
• Provides a comprehensive and accessible reference point to provide insights into a rapidly growing field

Researchers and undergraduate and graduate students in ethnobiology, biology, and anthropology

1. Introduction
2. Defining Historical Ethnobiology
3. Documents that Reveal the Interactions Between People and Nature
4. Conceptual Model of Historical Ethnobiology
5. Methodological Aspects for Researching Historical Ethnobiology
6. General reflections on Ethnobiology and Education
7. Thinking about the concepts of the types of knowledge and human communities
8. Teaching Historical Ethnobiology
9. Final Considerations
10. Suggested Bibliography