A recent study analyzing ancient genomes has conclusively refuted the theory that Rapa Nui's early inhabitants severely degraded their environment, revealing no evidence of a population crash.
According to archaeogeneticist Kathrin Nägele, the study serves as the final nail in the coffin for the narrative that Rapa Nui's ecosystem collapse was caused by its inhabitants.
The research revealed that Rapa Nui individuals possess genetic material predominantly from other Pacific islanders, with about 10% traceable to ancestral connections from South America.
Findings suggest that the Rapanui people had interactions with South American groups centuries before European contact, challenging previous assumptions about early migration patterns.
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