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Island Adaptation in Human Evolution and Dispersal: Based on Archaeological Evidences

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  • Pahiyangala Sumangala

    (Department of Social Sciences and Comparative Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka)

Abstract

Island is a key region for studying human dispersals, adaptations and interactions with other hominin populations. Although archaeological evidence now reveals occupation of the region by approximately 48 000 years ago (Sri Lanka), its human fossil record, which has the best potential to provide direct insights into ecological adaptations and population relationships, has remained much more elusive. Defining the distinctive capacities of Homo sapiens relative to other hominins is a major focus for human evolutionary studies. The cultural and ecological adaptations that enabled our species to expand outside Africa to almost every continent during the Late Pleistocene (125–12 ka) remain major subjects of interest to archaeological, anthropological and biomolecular research. There is growing evidence that Homo sapiens had a unique capacity to adapt to a diversity of extreme environments, both within and beyond Africa, when compared with other members of the genus Homo.

Suggested Citation

  • Pahiyangala Sumangala, 2025. "Island Adaptation in Human Evolution and Dispersal: Based on Archaeological Evidences," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 8779-8786, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:8779-8786
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