News From the Field
Spanish missions triggered Native American population collapse, indirect impact on climate
January 25, 2016
This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.
Long-term daily contact with Spanish missions triggered the severe and rapid collapse of Native American populations in what is now New Mexico, according to a new study. The indirect effects rippled through the surrounding forests. New interdisciplinary research resolves longstanding debate about timing and magnitude of American Indian population collapse in the region, confirming it didn't happen upon first contact with Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s.Full StorySource
Southern Methodist University
The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.
Connect with us online
NSF website: nsf.gov
NSF News: nsf.gov/news
For News Media: nsf.gov/news/newsroom
Statistics: nsf.gov/statistics/
Awards database: nsf.gov/awardsearch/
Follow us on social
Twitter: twitter.com/NSF
Facebook: facebook.com/US.NSF
Instagram: instagram.com/nsfgov