The Domain of Ethnobiology

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Abstract
After tracing briefly the history of the development of ethnobiological investigation, the author proceeds to the definition of ethnobiology and delimitation of the field. Discarding the thesis proposed by several investigators that the term "economic biology" (botany) be substituted for ethnobiology. he points out that ethnobiology is concerned primarily with the interrelationships between primitive man and his flora and fauna. He urges that the ethnobiologist in his investigation vitally interest himself in the fundamental cultural aspects of animal and plant utilization. He does not look upon the field as a distinct science or discipline, but rather as a sphere of investigation in which scholars, trained in both biology and anthropology, can render a service which neither specialist as such would be competent to contribute. From his own experience in ethnobiological investigation, he supplies a number of practical suggestions[long dash]factors to be kept in mind in carrying on research in this field.

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