Why was it easier for the Polynesian to form larger societies than islanders living in Melanesia?

Answer 1

One reason it may have been easier for the Polynesians to form larger societies than islanders living in Melanesia is that Polynesia has a more favorable environment for agriculture and resource availability. The Polynesian islands generally have more fertile land, as well as a greater biodiversity of plants and animals that can be utilized for food and other resources. This would have allowed the Polynesians to support larger populations and communities than the Melanesians, who may have had to contend with less abundant resources and more challenging environments.

Additionally, the Polynesians were skilled navigators and seafarers, allowing them to travel between islands and engage in trade and cultural exchange. This would have facilitated communication and cooperation between different communities, making it easier for them to form larger, more complex societies. In contrast, the Melanesian islands are more spread out and isolated, which may have made such interactions and connections more difficult to establish.

Overall, the combination of a more hospitable environment, greater resource availability, and advanced navigational and trade networks may have made it easier for the Polynesians to form larger societies than islanders living in Melanesia.