Pacific islands.
Definition
The thousands of islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean, grouped into three cultural regions: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. These islands developed diverse societies shaped by ocean navigation, fishing, and trade networks long before European contact.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 Hawaii developed a complex chiefdom system before becoming a U.S. state
- 2 Polynesian navigators used star patterns and ocean currents to sail thousands of miles
- 3 Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga each developed distinct cultural traditions
Key Fact
The three Pacific Island regions are Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.