News Genetics

DNA offers a new look at how Polynesia was settled

Voyagers migrated to islands sprinkled across a large area of the Pacific within about 500 years

image of a row of statues on Easter Island

Eastern Polynesia’s settlers rapidly voyaged across a vast area starting nearly 1,200 years ago, a new genetic study finds. Groups with a shared ancestry may have carved massive statues on easternmost islands, including these on Easter Island.

Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images Plus

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

Polynesian voyagers settled islands across a vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean within about 500 years, leaving a genetic trail of the routes that the travelers took, scientists say.