Oh, this will set some people off.

The Aquiry transformed the surrounding forest as they built communities and produced food. They burned areas dominated by bamboo to create fields for maize, squash and manioc, as well as space for ceremonial centers and the broad roads connecting them.

They also cultivated gardens and actively managed useful tree species.

“The research shows that the human impact on the Amazon’s environment has been far greater than previously believed,” Pärssinen notes.

Several nutrient-rich trees now common in the region reflect prolonged human management. These include Brazil nut trees, peach palms, which also produce edible palm hearts, and other fruit-bearing species.

By favoring trees with cultural and practical value, Aquiry communities helped some species spread while reducing the presence of others.

“This has direct implications for our understanding of the region’s biocultural history. The civilization also affected ancient Amazonia’s carbon production and carbon balance, which should be better accounted for in future climate models,” Pärssinen adds.

So, will the 'barely left footprints on Mother Gaia' types embrace their changing of the land to suit them, or try to find a way to make it a Bad Thing?

They're finding a lot of things in a lot of places with sensor systems to look through tree and brush cover.