On the Rat Trail in Near Oceania: Applying the Commensal Model to the Question of the Lapita Colonization1

Presented here are the most recent results of our studies of Rattus exulans, one of the main commensal animals transported across the Pacific by Lapita peoples and their descendants. We sampled several locations in Near Oceania to determine distribution of R. exulans mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplot...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPacific science Vol. 63; no. 4; pp. 465 - 475
Main Authors Matisoo-Smith, E., Hingston, M., Summerhayes, G., Robins, J., Ross, H. A., Hendy, M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Honolulu University of Hawai'i Press 01.10.2009
University of Hawaii Press
Subjects
Archipelagoes
Commensals
Data processing
Environmental impact
Haplotypes
Introduced species
Islands
Migration
Mitochondrial DNA
Nonnative species
Rattus
Rattus exulans
Rodents
Bismarck Archipelago
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Summary:Presented here are the most recent results of our studies of Rattus exulans, one of the main commensal animals transported across the Pacific by Lapita peoples and their descendants. We sampled several locations in Near Oceania to determine distribution of R. exulans mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes in the region. We also obtained data regarding distribution of other introduced Rattus species to several islands in the Bismarck Archipelago. Our results suggest that there were multiple introductions of R. exulans to the region, which may suggest a more complex history for Lapita populations in Near Oceania.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
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ISSN:0030-8870
1534-6188
DOI:10.2984/049.063.0402