The Neolithic demographic transition remains a paradox, because it is associated with both higher rates of population growth and increased morbidity and mortality rates. Here we reconcile the conflicting evidence by proposing that the spread of agriculture involved a life history quality–quantity trade-off whereby mothers traded offspring survival for increased fertility, achieving greater reproductive success despite deteriorating health. We test this hypothesis by investigating fertility, mortality, health, and overall reproductive success in Agta hunter-gatherers whose camps exhibit variable levels of sedentarization, mobility, and involvement in agricultural activities. We conducted blood composition tests in 345 Agta and found that viral and helminthic infections as well as child mortality rates were significantly increased with sedentarization. Nonetheless, both age-controlled fertility and overall reproductive success were positively affected by sedentarization and participation in cultivation. Thus, we provide the first empirical evidence, to our knowledge, of an adaptive mechanism in foragers that reconciles the decline in health and child survival with the observed demographic expansion during the Neolithic.
Eosinophil results by foraging
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of foraging on eosinophil concentrations. Given small population sizes all data have been randomised to protect individuals identity.
eosfarm.csv
Eosinophil results by settlement
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of settlement on eosinophil concentrations. Given small population sizes all data have been randomised to protect individuals identity.
eosset.csv
Fertility by foraging
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of foraging on fertility. Given small population sizes all data have been randomised to protect individuals identity.
fertfarm.csv
Fertility by settlement
Data required for analysis of fertility and mobility.
fertset.csv
Lymphocytosis by foraging
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of foraging on Lymphocytosis. Given small population sizes all data have been randomised to protect individuals identity.
lymfarm.csv
Lymphocytosis by settlement
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of settlement on Lymphocytosis. Given small population sizes all data have been randomised to protect individuals identity.
lymset.csv
Mortality by foraging
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of foraging on mortality. Given small population sizes all data have been randomised to protect individuals identity.
mortfarm.csv
Mortality by settlement
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of settlement on mortality. Given small population sizes all data have been randomised to protect individuals identity.
mortset.csv
Neutrophilia by foraging
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of foraging on Neutrophilia. Given small population sizes all data have been randomised to protect individuals identity.
neufarm.csv
Neutrophilia by settlement
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of settlement on Neutrophilia. Given small population sizes all data have been randomised to protect individuals identity.
neuset.csv
Parasite load
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of settlement on parasite burden
paraload.csv
Reproductive success and foraging
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of foraging on RS. Given small population sizes all data have been randomised to protect individuals identity.
rsfarm.csv
Reproductive success and settlement
Data necessary to run analysis on the influence of settlement on RS. Given small population sizes all data have been randomised to protect individuals identity.
rsset.csv