Recollecting The Routes To Ancient Australia

A group of experts gathered to investigate the deep history of the continent have revealed new ideas about how people first arrived in Australia.
They utilized sophisticated models for determining not only the probable routes that the aborigines traveled to tens of miles of years, but also the size of the groups needed for the population to survive in difficult conditions.
The research, published today in two complementary articles, confirms the theory of people in large and deliberate migrations on the island to reach New Guinea more than 50,000 years.
Although, many aboriginal cultures believe that people have always been here, other oral strong stories of ancestral beings coming from the north.
"We know that Aborigines have lived here for more than 50,000 years, and this research offers a better understanding of how migration events occurred and more evidence of marinas and navigational capabilities to make these trips deliberate," said Professor Michael Aves, the Center of Excellence of the Australian Research Council for Biodiversity and Heritage of Australia (CABAH) and James Cook University.
The team of multidisciplinary researchers from CABAH and CSRIO can be established on the most likely route to reach the old mega-continent, known as Sahul (New Guinea, Australia and Tasmania joined at times of low sea level).
"We developed demographic models to determine which island route the old ones are more likely to take," said Professor Corey Bradshaw of Flinders University of CABAH.
"A northern route connecting the islands of Mangoli, Buru and Seram to West Papua New Guinea has probably been easier to navigate and survive. This is an easier way to compare with the southern route from Timor that leads to the now drowned Sahul Shelf in the current Kimberley region. "
The numbers also use complex mathematical models (such as fertility, longevity, past climatic conditions and other ecological principles) to calculate the number of people needed for the general population to survive.
The simulations indicate that at least 1300 people in a single migration event or in waves.
"This suggests a planned and well-organized maritime migration, rather than an accidental arrival," added Professor Bradshaw.
The studies confirm that the ancestors of the aborigines and the Torres Strait Islanders have sophisticated technology and knowledge to build boats. This research also shows the remarkable capacity at that time to plan, navigate and make multiple complicated trips at sea for transport directly to a large number of people.
The archaeological and genetic studies of CABAH can contribute to this story, "says Dr. Laura Weyrich, a researcher at CABAH at the University of Adelaide.
The documents early human settlement of Sahul was not an accident and the minimal founders of the first population of Sahul, were co-written by all of Australia, comprising Flinders University, James Cook University, Wollongong University, the University from New South Wales University of Adelaide, National University of Australia and CSIRO.
CABAH brings together experts in various academic disciplines to answer questions about the natural and human history of our region.

By: Preeti Narula
Content: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190620100002.htm