Prehistoric paleoecology of Easter Island

This chapter reviews the paleoecological research developed to date on Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and places the main findings within the appropriate cultural chronological context, working towards a more holistic framework of Easter Island’s prehistory. Emphasis is placed on the climatic and ecological changes that have occurred during the last millennium, their potential causes and their possible influence on sociocultural trends and events. Three main phases in the history of Easter Island paleoecological research are recognized: the pioneer phase (1977-1992), the intermediate phase (1993-2004) and the revival phase (2005-present). During the pioneer and intermediate phases, the paradigm of self-induced socioecological collapse dominated the thinking about this site. However, new evidence obtained during the revival phase highlighted the potential significance of climatic changes and climate-human synergistic effects for prehistoric ecological and cultural development. The contribution of paleoecology to developing a better understanding of Easter Island’s prehistory is discussed with a focus on four main points: (i) the discovery and settlement of the island, (ii) the occurrence of climatic changes and their natural and anthropogenic drivers, (iii) spatiotemporal deforestation patterns and (iv) the potential relationship between climatic, ecological and cultural shifts. Insights regarding possible future research directions are provided, and a theoretical framework, referred to as EHLFS (Environmental-Human-Landscape Feedbacks and Synergies), is proposed to develop a more holistic view of Easter Island’s prehistory.