CMSS 2014 Summer Workshop - François Vallee
Channel: Centre for Mathematical Social Sciences
Date: 2014-12-15

Modelling History in Islands of Southeast Asia. Presented by François Vallee at the Centre for Mathematical Social Sciences 2014 Summer Workshop.

Abstract:
The history of human settlement in the geographical region between mainland Asia and New Guinea is multifaceted and complex. From the first wave of Melanesian populations, which arrived around 45 thousand years ago, to a second movement of Asian groups around 4 thousand years ago, an unexpected pattern has emerged in terms of population admixture. We have a particular interest in the second wave (from 4000 years ago to the present). Our focus is on genetic studies that have revealed a steep ancestry cline from west to east, suggesting that human migrations could have been influenced by geographical, demographic and social factors. We are particularly interested in how social behavior and technological advantage might have affected prehistoric human movements. To answer this question, we are designing an agent- based model (ABM) to simulate the colonisation of this island world by humans. This model allows us to model the movements of individual humans on a geographical map, reproducing behaviors such as marriage rules and social advantages. Thus we will be able to understand the influence of each aspect of the model and which one, or more likely which combination has produced the genetic pattern we observe today.