title: New radiocarbon dates from the Bapot-1 site in Saipan and Neolithic dispersal by stratified diffusion

authors: Clark, Geoffrey

subjects: colonisation

abstract: The colonisation of the Mariana Islands in Western Micronesia is likely to represent an early ocean dispersal of more than 2000 km. Establishing the date of human arrival in the archipelago is important for modelling Neolithic expansion in Island Southeast Asia and the Pacific, particularly the role of long-distance dispersals. This paper presents new ¹⁴C results and a ΔR estimate from the Bapot-1 site on Saipan Island, which indicate human arrival at ca. 3400-3200 cal. BP. Archaeological chronologies of long-distance dispersal to Western Micronesia and the Lapita expansion (Bismarcks to Samoa) show that the Neolithic dispersal rate was increasing during the period ca. 3400-2900 cal. BP. The range-versus-time relationship is similar to stratified diffusion whereby a period of relatively slow expansion is succeeded by long-distance movement. An increase in new colonies created by long-distance migrants results in accelerating range expansion.

text: New radiocarbon dates from the Bapot-1 site in Saipan and Neolithic dispersal by stratified diffusion The colonisation of the Mariana Islands in Western Micronesia is likely to represent an early ocean dispersal of more than 2000 km. Establishing the date of human arrival in the archipelago is important for modelling Neolithic expansion in Island Southeast Asia and the Pacific, particularly the role of long-distance dispersals. This paper presents new ¹⁴C results and a ΔR estimate from the Bapot-1 site on Saipan Island, which indicate human arrival at ca. 3400-3200 cal. BP. Archaeological chronologies of long-distance dispersal to Western Micronesia and the Lapita expansion (Bismarcks to Samoa) show that the Neolithic dispersal rate was increasing during the period ca. 3400-2900 cal. BP. The range-versus-time relationship is similar to stratified diffusion whereby a period of relatively slow expansion is succeeded by long-distance movement. An increase in new colonies created by long-distance migrants results in accelerating range expansion.

year: 2010

title: Low genetic variability in small populations of New Zealand kokako Callaeas cinerea wilsoni

authors: Hudson, Q.J.

subjects: kokako

abstract: The endangered kokako Callaeas cinerea wilsoni (Callaeidae), an endemic forest-dwelling passerine of New Zealand, has declined over the last century to a number of small isolated populations due to widespread habitat clearance and predation by introduced predators. To evaluate the genetic consequences of inbreeding and genetic drift, we examined genetic variability within and among 3 of the major remaining kokako populations using 4 polymorphic microsatellite loci. The largest remaining kokako population in the Te Ureweras was shown to have greater variability than the smaller Mapara and Rotoehu populations. Differentiation among the populations was low to moderate. We suggest there is no genetic barrier to translocations between the populations and that translocations of some individuals between the remaining kokako populations could enhance genetic variability of small populations to levels found in larger populations (e.g. Te Ureweras).

text: Low genetic variability in small populations of New Zealand kokako Callaeas cinerea wilsoni The endangered kokako Callaeas cinerea wilsoni (Callaeidae), an endemic forest-dwelling passerine of New Zealand, has declined over the last century to a number of small isolated populations due to widespread habitat clearance and predation by introduced predators. To evaluate the genetic consequences of inbreeding and genetic drift, we examined genetic variability within and among 3 of the major remaining kokako populations using 4 polymorphic microsatellite loci. The largest remaining kokako population in the Te Ureweras was shown to have greater variability than the smaller Mapara and Rotoehu populations. Differentiation among the populations was low to moderate. We suggest there is no genetic barrier to translocations between the populations and that translocations of some individuals between the remaining kokako populations could enhance genetic variability of small populations to levels found in larger populations (e.g. Te Ureweras).

year: 2000

title: Dialogue as a method for evolving Mātauranga Māori: Perspectives on the use of embryos in research

authors: Hudson, Maui

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: This paper explores the epistemological divide between mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and science, and considers which cultural concepts have relevance when considering the use of embryos in research. We argue that empowerment is a necessary precursor for a dialogue process to be effective and to maintain the cultural dignity and confidence of the participants. Negotiating spaces to share ideas, concepts and values between different knowledge systems is an important exercise that creates opportunities for innovative thinking. The identification of cultural cues and indigenous reference points for considering how knowledge relating to embryo research might be located within a traditional knowledge schema is a necessary type of activity to ensure mātauranga Māori maintains its usefulness for Māori in a changing society while retaining its indigenous spirit and cultural tradition.

text: Dialogue as a method for evolving Mātauranga Māori: Perspectives on the use of embryos in research This paper explores the epistemological divide between mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and science, and considers which cultural concepts have relevance when considering the use of embryos in research. We argue that empowerment is a necessary precursor for a dialogue process to be effective and to maintain the cultural dignity and confidence of the participants. Negotiating spaces to share ideas, concepts and values between different knowledge systems is an important exercise that creates opportunities for innovative thinking. The identification of cultural cues and indigenous reference points for considering how knowledge relating to embryo research might be located within a traditional knowledge schema is a necessary type of activity to ensure mātauranga Māori maintains its usefulness for Māori in a changing society while retaining its indigenous spirit and cultural tradition.

year: 2010