Polynesians came to South America long before the arrival of Europeans, according to research in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Using genetic analysis and radiocarbon dating of chicken bones found in Chile, researchers proved the animal came from Polynesia, not Europe. The bones shared the same genetic material as those from American Samoa and Tonga, more than 5,000 miles from Chile.
Researchers have long suspected a link between South America and Polynesia. Sweet potatoes, which are indigenous to the Americas, have been found in Polynesia.
Get the Story:Polynesians beat Spaniards to South America, study shows (The Los Angeles Times 6/5)
pwday $rl Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - http://www.pnas.org
