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Major Genomic Study Dates First Arrival in Sahul to 60–65k Years Ago, Supporting Multiple Migration Routes

The study analyzes 2,456 mitochondrial genomes alongside Y‑chromosome data, archaeology, climate models and revised mutation rates to support a 60,000–65,000-year arrival in Sahul. It finds at least two distinct migration routes — northern and southern — and geographically structured mitochondrial lineages that align with early archaeological sites like Madjedbebe. The results strengthen evidence for early open‑water voyages across the Wallace Line and underscore the deep, continuous heritage of Indigenous Australians and Papuans.

12:51 AM, 12/02/2025Science
Major Genomic Study Dates First Arrival in Sahul to 60–65k Years Ago, Supporting Multiple Migration Routes

A large new genomic analysis strengthens evidence that humans reached the ancient landmass of Sahul — present-day Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania — around 60,000–65,000 years ago. By integrating an unprecedented 2,456 mitochondrial genomes with Y‑chromosome data, archaeological records, climate modeling and updated mutation-rate estimates, the study brings genetic timelines into closer agreement with the oldest archaeological sites.

Key findings

The researchers find that the earliest settlement of Sahul was likely rapid and complex. Distinct ancient mitochondrial lineages, each tracing back roughly 60,000 years, are distributed across different parts of Sahul, a pattern best explained by at least two contemporaneous migration routes: a northern pathway through island Southeast Asia into New Guinea, and a southern pathway via mainland Southeast Asia toward northern Australia.

Crossing into Sahul required open-water voyages across the Wallace Line, a deep-water biogeographic boundary. The genomic evidence therefore reinforces the view that these early populations possessed maritime skills and seafaring technologies earlier than often assumed.

Methods and significance

Combining a large mitochondrial dataset with Y-chromosome markers, archaeological dates such as those from Madjedbebe, paleoclimate reconstructions and revised mutation-rate calculations allowed the team to produce a more consistent chronology. This multi-disciplinary approach reduces previous discrepancies between genomic and archaeological estimates and highlights the value of integrating different lines of evidence in reconstructing early human migrations.

“This helps refine our understanding of human origins, maritime mobility, and early seafaring narratives,”

The study also emphasizes that the ancestors of today’s Indigenous Australians and Papuans represent one of the world’s oldest continuous human populations outside Africa. Their genetic lineages remained largely isolated for tens of thousands of years, offering unique insight into early chapters of global human migration.

Overall, the research reshapes the narrative of early human expansion by portraying the first settlers of Sahul as capable navigators and explorers who used multiple routes to colonize a vast and challenging landscape.

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