Barriers and bridges: early human dispersals in equatorial SE Asia

摘要: Past environments of equatorial SE Asia must have played a critical role in determining the timing and trajectory early human dispersal into through region. However, very few reliable terrestrial records are available with which to contextualize events. This circumstance, coupled sparse archaeological record likelihood that much is now submerged, means we an incomplete understanding geography, climate environment shaping pre-history this From review literature, conclude there been substantial environmental barrier resulting genetic separation between east west Sundaland persisted even though connection was present for most Pleistocene. likely be north–south corridor open non-forest vegetation, its existence may encouraged rapid humans interior on Sahul. We more palaeoenvironmental required better understand links past highlight avenues particular research value, such as focusing eastern Sumatra, western/southern Borneo islands Java Sea, where purported savanna probably existed, including edaphic factors palaeovegetation modelling.