New Plants, New Animals
 The Early Archaic period in Michigan dates to between 8,000 and
6,000 B.C.
During this period, water levels of the Great Lakes were much lower then than
they are today. Many of the sites where Early Archaic peoples lived are now
under water. This has made it more difficult for archaeologists to study the
Early Archaic period.
We do know, however, that the climate was changing. It was probably warmer
during the Early Archaic than it is today.
As the climate warmed, some kinds of plants and animals disappeared, and
new kinds took their place. In some areas, pine and spruce trees were replaced
with trees like oak and maple. Mammoths and mastodons disappeared, but deer
became common.
Early Archaic peoples learned how to use new plants for food and for making
tools, weapons and utensils. They also learned new ways to hunt the different
game animals in the forests.
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