The origins of the Samoans are closely studied in modern research about Polynesia in various scientific disciplines such as genetics, linguistics and anthropology. Scientific research is ongoing, although a number of different theories exist; including one proposing that the Samoans originated from Austronesian predecessors during the terminal eastward Lapita expansion period from Southeast Asia and Melanesia between 2,500 and 1,500 BCE. The Samoan origins are currently being reassessed due to new scientific evidence and carbon dating findings from 2003 and onwards. COUNT 4
QSN1 In what year did new discoveries change the course of research on Samoan origins? ANS1 2003 QSN2 In addition to linguistics and genetics, what field of study researches Samoan origins? ANS2 anthropology QSN3 One theory posits that Samoans originated from what people during the Lapita expansion period? ANS3 Austronesian QSN4 What year marks the end of the period of the terminal eastward Lapita expansion? ANS4 1,500 BCE