Tracking the first Australians

When and how did the first humans arrive and settle in Australia? These questions have vexed scientists for a long time.

For the most part, it was largely assumed that early people moved around the coasts and gradually made their way inland. But that idea has now been turned on its head by the discovery of microscopic plant fossils from a remote and little-known highland valley in Papua New Guinea.

The minute traces of pollen, starch, silica skeletons and charcoal reveal that humans were sufficiently adaptable to climate extremes to survive more than 45,000 years ago across a range of harsh environments on the ancient ice age continent of Sahul, comprising New Guinea, Australia and Tasmania...

Read more: theage.com.au