ABSTRACT
The arrival of the first human beings on the western margin of the Pacific Ocean was one of the most momentous events in the history of mankind. It led to the conquest of the world's largest ocean, the occupation of four huge continents, and the diversification of the human species into some of its most numerous, energetic and colourful cultures. The early interaction of humans and the environment within the Pacific area is clouded in uncertainty. Humans had to move on to find food—either across the sea to a visible island or inland. Natural disasters and conflicts between hunting groups over scarce food may also have forced migration. Falling sea levels created new coastal territory for plants and animals and in turn for groups of hunter-gatherers. Big-game hunting bands customarily allocated the main tasks—preparing for the hunt, stalking and killing animals, and dividing up the flesh—to men.
