DNA testing on ancient Rapa Nui skeletons reveals ~90% Polynesian and ~8-10% Native American ancestry entering between 1280-1495 AD when trans-oceanic contact began! Sweet potatoes and chickens also trace back to South America. 🧬
Key facts:
- Ancient DNA analysis shows about 8-10% Native American ancestry in pre-European contact Rapanui individuals
- The Ioannidis et al. study (2014) places Native American admixture between approximately 1280-1495 AD
- Sweet potatoes on Rapa Nui originated from South America
- Chickens have ancestral DNA linking to South America
- Moai creation and Ahu construction began around 700-800 AD, predating the Native American contact period by several centuries