In Island of the Blue Dolphins, what evidence is there of Karana's resourcefulness and ability to solve problems on her own in chapter 16?

In chapter 16 Karana continues to demonstrate the resourcefulness and problem solving abilities that the reader has become accustomed to throughout the first half of the book.

In this chapter, Karana makes the decision to modify one of the larger canoes so that she is able to move it on land more easily and paddle it safely in the water. In order to accomplish this task, Karana has to cut through the sinew and heat up the pitch to disassemble the existing canoe. She then uses a special knife made of black rock to cut the planks shorter. After cutting and shaping the planks, she uses fresh pitch and sinew to build a smaller boat. Though the boat is not as aesthetically pleasing, Karana is satisfied with the outcome.

Karana also addresses the problem of loneliness and isolation in this chapter as she continues to befriend Rontu and talk to him as if he were a human friend. This use of language helps her feel the friendship and camaraderie that she is otherwise lacking on the island.

Her final demonstration of resourcefulness in this chapter is shown through her exploration and her discovery of several caves where she can hide herself and supplies in order to avoid detection from any visitors to the island. She locates one cave in particular that has a shelf up out of the water. She plans to return in spring to hide her canoe there.