Old Easter Island genomes show no sign of a population collapse
Recent genomic research on ancient Rapa Nui natives shows no population collapse, confirming Polynesian origins, steady growth, and 10% Native American ancestry, emphasizing ethical collaboration with the local community.
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Recent genomic research on ancient Rapa Nui (Easter Island) natives reveals no evidence of a population collapse, contradicting previous theories about ecological decline. The study analyzed genomes from 15 individuals predating European contact, confirming their Polynesian origins and showing a steady population growth without signs of a bottleneck. Notably, about 10% of the genomes exhibited Native American ancestry, suggesting contact with populations from the central Andes region of South America around the time of the island's settlement. The remains, housed in a French museum, were confirmed to be from Rapa Nui, and the research was conducted in collaboration with the local Rapanui community, emphasizing respectful engagement in scientific studies. Despite challenges in carbon dating the remains, the genetic data indicates they were born before European arrival, providing insights into the island's demographic history prior to colonial influence.
- Genomic analysis shows no signs of population collapse on Rapa Nui.
- Approximately 10% of the ancient genomes have Native American ancestry.
- The research involved collaboration with the Rapanui community for ethical engagement.
- The remains were confirmed to be of Polynesian origin, predating European contact.
- The study provides insights into the demographic history of Rapa Nui before colonialism.
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8 comments[1] https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/easter-island-origins/
I've been suspicious of that claim. If the Polynesians came from Asia and were able to reach the Americas, it's possible that there was latent communication between the two worlds but such communication happens at "generational" speeds.
"In December 1862, Peruvian slave traders landed on Easter Island and captured approximately 1,500 Rapa Nui people, including much of the island's leadership and elite. The raids were brutal, and the kidnapped islanders were transported to the guano islands and plantations on the Peruvian coast. Of these 1,500 individuals, only a small fraction would ever return.Of the roughly 1,500 people taken, it is estimated that fewer than 100 survived to return home. By the mid-19th century, the island's population had been reduced to just a few hundred, down from an estimated 3,000–4,000 before the raids."
The invention of ammonia synthesis from atmospheric N2 via the Haber-Bosch process largely put an end to the guano industy and the slave labor that supported it. There's an excellent book, "The Alchemy of Air" by Thomas Hager that covers this history well:
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