1852 map of Oceania by J. G. Barbié du Bocage. Includes regions of Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Malesia.

Ghosts in the genome

Melanesians carry 4–6% Denisovan DNA—genes from an ancient human relative.

Oceania’s Ancient DNA: Two Waves and a Ghost

Cork map pieces representing Australia and Oceania on a white background, emphasizing geography.

Two great migrations

Oceania was peopled by two major waves: Australo‑Melanesians tens of millennia ago, then Austronesian speakers about 3,500 years ago.

Oceania’s Ancient DNA: Two Waves and a Ghost

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