Editing Natural history (section)

===Prehistory===
Prior to the advent of [[History of science|Western science]] humans were engaged and highly competent in indigenous ways of understanding the more-than-human world that are now referred to as [[traditional ecological knowledge]]. 21st century definitions of natural history are inclusive of this understanding, such as this by Thomas Fleischner of the Natural History Institute (Prescott, Arizona):<blockquote>

Natural history – a practice of intentional focused attentiveness and receptivity to the more-than-human world, guided by honesty and accuracy – is the oldest continuous human endeavor. In the evolutionary past of our species, the practice of natural history was essential for our survival, imparting critical information on habits and chronologies of plants and animals that we could eat or that could eat us. Natural history continues to be critical to human survival and thriving. It contributes to our fundamental understanding of how the world works by providing the empirical foundation of natural sciences, and it contributes directly and indirectly to human emotional and physical health, thereby fostering healthier human communities. It also serves as the basis for all conservation efforts, with natural history both informing the science and inspiring the values that drive these.<ref name="Fleischner-2025">{{cite journal |last1=Fleischner |first1=Thomas Lowe |title=The enduring and elemental importance of natural history |journal=The Ecological Citizen |date=2025 |volume=8 |issue=1 |url=https://www.ecologicalcitizen.net/pdfs/epub-115.pdf}}</ref></blockquote>