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Geographically, New Guinea is classified as part of the continent of Australia.
Answer: False
Explanation: New Guinea is geographically classified as part of Oceania, specifically within the region of Melanesia, and is not considered part of the Australian continent, although it lies on the Australian continental shelf.
New Guinea is recognized as the world's second-largest island.
Answer: True
Explanation: New Guinea is the world's second-largest island, with Greenland being the largest.
During periods of low sea level in the Pleistocene, New Guinea was connected to Australia via a landmass called Sahul.
Answer: True
Explanation: During episodes of low sea level in the Pleistocene glaciations, New Guinea was connected to Australia via a landmass known as Sahul, which lay on the same continental shelf.
Papua New Guinea constitutes the eastern half of the island of New Guinea.
Answer: True
Explanation: Papua New Guinea comprises the eastern half of the island, while the western half is administered by Indonesia.
New Guinea is located south of the equator and west of the Solomon Islands.
Answer: True
Explanation: New Guinea is situated south of the equator, bordered by the Arafura Sea to the west and the Coral Sea to the east, and lies west of the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands.
The interior of New Guinea is dominated by a spine of high mountains, not vast, flat plains.
Answer: True
Explanation: A spine of east-to-west mountains, known as the New Guinea Highlands, dominates the island's geography, stretching over 1,600 km and containing many peaks exceeding 4,000 meters.
Puncak Jaya, located in the western part of the island, is the highest peak in Oceania.
Answer: True
Explanation: The highest point on New Guinea is Puncak Jaya, located in the western part of the island. It reaches an elevation of 4,884 meters (16,023 feet), making it the highest peak in Oceania.
The lowlands of New Guinea are characterized by rainforests and wetlands, not deserts.
Answer: True
Explanation: The extensive lowlands of New Guinea feature diverse habitats, including lowland rainforests, extensive wetlands, savanna grasslands, and large mangrove forests.
The Sepik River drains the northern lowlands of New Guinea.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sepik River drains the northern lowlands of New Guinea, while rivers like the Digul and Fly River drain the southern lowlands.
The Fly River alone carries approximately 238 km³ of water annually, which is more than all the rivers in Australia combined.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Fly River alone carries approximately 238 km³ of water annually, which exceeds the combined discharge of all rivers in Australia, underscoring the hydrological significance of New Guinea's river systems.
The shape of New Guinea is frequently compared to a bird-of-paradise, which has influenced geographical nomenclature, such as the naming of the Bird's Head Peninsula.
Answer: True
Explanation: The island's distinctive shape is often likened to a bird-of-paradise, a creature native to the region. This comparison is notable for its influence on geographical nomenclature, such as the naming of the Bird's Head Peninsula in the west and the Bird's Tail Peninsula in the southeast.
The current population of the island of New Guinea is estimated to be approximately fifteen million people.
Answer: True
Explanation: Current estimates indicate that the island of New Guinea has a population of approximately fifteen million individuals.
What is New Guinea's global ranking in terms of island size?
Answer: The second-largest island in the world
Explanation: New Guinea is the world's second-largest island, with Greenland being the largest.
What dominant geological feature characterizes the interior of New Guinea?
Answer: A spine of east-to-west mountains
Explanation: A spine of east-to-west mountains, known as the New Guinea Highlands, dominates the island's interior, containing many peaks exceeding 4,000 meters.
What is the highest point on New Guinea, and what is its significance in the region?
Answer: Puncak Jaya; highest peak in Oceania
Explanation: The highest point on New Guinea is Puncak Jaya, located in the western part of the island. It reaches an elevation of 4,884 meters (16,023 feet), making it the highest peak in Oceania.
What unique climatic feature is present at elevations around 4,000 meters on New Guinea?
Answer: Equatorial glaciers
Explanation: At elevations around 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) and above, the tree line is reached, and the tallest peaks are topped with equatorial glaciers, which have been observed to be retreating.
Which major river system drains the extensive southern lowlands of New Guinea?
Answer: Fly River
Explanation: The more extensive southern lowlands of New Guinea are drained by rivers such as the Digul in the west and the Fly River in the east.
How does the annual water discharge of the Fly River compare to the combined discharge of rivers in Australia?
Answer: It carries more water than all the rivers in Australia combined.
Explanation: The Fly River alone carries approximately 238 km³ of water annually, which exceeds the combined discharge of all rivers in Australia, underscoring the hydrological significance of New Guinea's river systems.
What is the significance of the comparison of New Guinea's shape to a bird-of-paradise?
Answer: It led to the naming of specific peninsulas like the Bird's Head Peninsula.
Explanation: The island's distinctive shape is often likened to a bird-of-paradise, a creature native to the region. This comparison is notable for its influence on geographical nomenclature, such as the naming of the Bird's Head Peninsula in the west and the Bird's Tail Peninsula in the southeast.
What is the approximate population of the island of New Guinea?
Answer: Around 15 million
Explanation: Current estimates indicate that the island of New Guinea has a population of approximately fifteen million individuals.
The earliest estimated arrival of humans on New Guinea dates back to approximately 60,000 years ago.
Answer: True
Explanation: Archaeological evidence suggests that humans may have arrived on New Guinea as early as 60,000 years ago, though this date is subject to ongoing research and debate.
Archaeological findings in the highlands of Papua New Guinea reveal ancient irrigation systems and evidence of agriculture dating back at least 10,000 years, indicating it was an early and independent center for agricultural development.
Answer: True
Explanation: Archaeological findings in the highlands of Papua New Guinea reveal ancient irrigation systems and evidence of agriculture dating back at least 10,000 years, indicating it was an early and independent center for agricultural development.
Permaculture systems in the New Guinea Highlands utilize native species, such as the Casuarina oligodon, for timber and fuel.
Answer: True
Explanation: The permaculture systems in the New Guinea Highlands are known for their use of native species, including the Casuarina oligodon (ironwood), for timber and fuel, alongside sophisticated agricultural techniques.
Austronesian peoples are believed to have arrived in New Guinea approximately 3,500 years ago, bringing with them pigs and dogs, and their seafaring technology facilitated colonization of coastal areas and nearby islands.
Answer: True
Explanation: Austronesian peoples are believed to have arrived in New Guinea approximately 3,500 years ago, bringing with them pigs and dogs, and introducing advanced seafaring technology.
The primary inhabitants of New Guinea are Indigenous Papuan peoples, believed to be descended from the earliest human settlers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The island is primarily inhabited by Indigenous Papuan peoples, who are considered descendants of the earliest human settlers, predating the arrival of Austronesian peoples.
What is the earliest estimated date for the arrival of humans on New Guinea?
Answer: Around 60,000 years ago
Explanation: Archaeological evidence suggests that humans may have arrived on New Guinea as early as 60,000 years ago, though this date is subject to ongoing research and debate.
What evidence suggests that New Guinea was an early center of agricultural development?
Answer: Evidence of ancient irrigation systems dating back at least 10,000 years.
Explanation: Archaeological findings in the highlands of Papua New Guinea reveal ancient irrigation systems and evidence of agriculture dating back at least 10,000 years, indicating it was an early and independent center for agricultural development.
What key introductions are attributed to Austronesian peoples arriving in New Guinea approximately 3,500 years ago?
Answer: Pigs and dogs
Explanation: Austronesian peoples are believed to have arrived in New Guinea approximately 3,500 years ago, bringing with them pigs and dogs, and introducing advanced seafaring technology.
The Spanish explorer Yñigo Ortiz de Retez named the island 'New Guinea' due to a perceived resemblance between its indigenous inhabitants and those of the African region of Guinea.
Answer: True
Explanation: Yñigo Ortiz de Retez named the island 'New Guinea' in 1545 because he observed that the indigenous peoples bore a resemblance to those found in the African region of Guinea.
The Sultanate of Tidore, located in the Maluku Islands, claimed sovereignty over various coastal regions of New Guinea.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sultanate of Tidore, located in the Maluku Islands, claimed sovereignty over various coastal regions of New Guinea and participated in trade networks involving resins, spices, slaves, and bird-of-paradise feathers.
In the 19th century, the Netherlands claimed the western half, Germany claimed the northeastern part (German New Guinea), and Britain claimed the southeastern part.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 19th century, European powers claimed territories on New Guinea: the Netherlands claimed the western half, Germany claimed the northeastern part (German New Guinea), and Britain claimed the southeastern part.
In 1938, Richard Archbold discovered the Grand Valley of the Baliem River, finding approximately 50,000 Stone Age farmers, the Dani people, who represented the last large society to make first contact with the outside world.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1938, Richard Archbold discovered the Grand Valley of the Baliem River, encountering approximately 50,000 Stone Age farmers, the Dani people, who represented the last large society to make first contact with the outside world.
Inter-village warfare and headhunting were historically prevalent practices among indigenous groups and were subsequently addressed by colonial administrators.
Answer: True
Explanation: Practices such as inter-village warfare and headhunting were widespread among the indigenous populations of New Guinea and were a focus of suppression efforts by colonial administrators in the German, Dutch, and British territories.
Who named the island 'New Guinea', and on what observation was the name based?
Answer: Spanish explorer Yñigo Ortiz de Retez, due to resemblance to African Guinea.
Explanation: The island was named 'New Guinea' by the Spanish explorer Yñigo Ortiz de Retez in 1545 because he observed that the indigenous peoples bore a resemblance to those found in the African region of Guinea.
Which ancient Indonesian kingdom claimed sovereignty over parts of New Guinea and engaged in trade involving bird-of-paradise feathers?
Answer: The Sultanate of Tidore
Explanation: The Sultanate of Tidore, located in the Maluku Islands, claimed sovereignty over various coastal regions of New Guinea and participated in trade networks involving resins, spices, slaves, and bird-of-paradise feathers.
Which European powers established claims over parts of New Guinea during the 19th century?
Answer: Netherlands, Germany, and Britain
Explanation: In the 19th century, European powers claimed territories on New Guinea: the Netherlands claimed the western half, Germany claimed the northeastern part (German New Guinea), and Britain claimed the southeastern part.
What significant discovery did Richard Archbold make in the New Guinea highlands in 1938?
Answer: The Grand Valley of the Baliem River and the Dani people.
Explanation: In 1938, Richard Archbold discovered the Grand Valley of the Baliem River, encountering approximately 50,000 Stone Age farmers, the Dani people, who represented the last large society to make first contact with the outside world.
Jayapura is the capital of the Indonesian province of Papua, located in the western part of the island.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jayapura is the capital of the Indonesian province of Papua, located in the western part of the island. Port Moresby is the capital of Papua New Guinea, situated in the eastern part.
New Guinea became a major battleground in the South West Pacific Theatre of World War II, with key battles fought for Port Moresby, Milne Bay, and along the Kokoda Track.
Answer: True
Explanation: New Guinea became a major battleground in the South West Pacific Theatre of World War II, with key battles fought for Port Moresby, Milne Bay, and along the Kokoda Track. Papuan people often assisted the Allies by carrying supplies and wounded soldiers.
Following the West New Guinea dispute, the territory was transferred to Indonesian control on May 1, 1963.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the West New Guinea dispute, the territory was administered by the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority starting in 1962 and was subsequently transferred to Indonesian control on May 1, 1963.
The Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM), or Free Papua Movement, was established in 1965 and represents resistance to Indonesian integration and occupation in West Papua.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM), or Free Papua Movement, was established in 1965 and represents resistance to Indonesian integration and occupation in West Papua. It has been involved in both civil disobedience and armed struggle.
Since Indonesian integration, Amnesty International has estimated that over 100,000 Papuans may have died due to government-sponsored violence.
Answer: True
Explanation: Since Indonesian integration, there have been reports of significant resistance and violence. Amnesty International has estimated that over 100,000 Papuans may have died due to government-sponsored violence, with other reports suggesting numbers as high as 500,000.
The Law on Special Autonomy, passed in 2001, aimed to provide greater self-governance for the province of Papua.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2001 Law on Special Autonomy was enacted to provide enhanced self-governance for the province of Papua and to safeguard the rights of its indigenous population.
In 2022, the Indonesian part of New Guinea was divided into multiple new provinces, including South Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua, and Southwest Papua.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2022, the Indonesian government restructured the administrative divisions of western New Guinea, creating four new provinces (Papua, South Papua, Central Papua, and Highland Papua) and establishing Southwest Papua as a separate province.
The Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) was established to protect Papuan rights and elevate the status of women, not primarily to manage resource extraction.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) was established under the 2001 Law on Special Autonomy with the mandate to protect Papuan rights, elevate the status of women, and help ease religious tensions, rather than managing resource extraction.
The 'Act of Free Choice' referendum in 1969 involved a limited selection of Papuan elders voting on integration with Indonesia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Act of Free Choice' referendum in 1969 determined the political future of Western New Guinea regarding integration with Indonesia, but it involved a limited number of chosen elders rather than all Papuan elders.
How is the island of New Guinea politically divided today?
Answer: Divided between Papua New Guinea (east) and Indonesia (west)
Explanation: The island is politically divided into two main parts: the eastern half forms the major landmass of the nation of Papua New Guinea, while the western half is part of Indonesia.
Which of the following is not listed as a current province within the Indonesian part of New Guinea?
Answer: East Papua
Explanation: The Indonesian part of New Guinea is divided into several provinces, including Papua, Central Papua, West Papua, Highland Papua, South Papua, and Southwest Papua. 'East Papua' is not among these designations.
What was the primary role played by the Papuan people during the World War II battles that took place in New Guinea?
Answer: Assisting the Allies by carrying supplies and wounded soldiers.
Explanation: During the South West Pacific Theatre of World War II, Papuan individuals often assisted the Allied forces by providing crucial support, such as carrying supplies and tending to wounded soldiers.
What was the outcome of the dispute concerning the administration of West New Guinea?
Answer: It was administered by the United Nations and then transferred to Indonesia.
Explanation: Following the West New Guinea dispute, the territory was administered by the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority starting in 1962 and was subsequently transferred to Indonesian control on May 1, 1963.
What is the primary objective of the Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM)?
Answer: To achieve independence from Indonesian rule.
Explanation: The Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM), or Free Papua Movement, was established with the principal aim of securing independence for West Papua from Indonesian administration.
What was the purpose of the 2001 Law on Special Autonomy enacted for Papua?
Answer: To grant greater self-governance and protect Papuan rights.
Explanation: The 2001 Law on Special Autonomy was enacted to provide enhanced self-governance for the province of Papua and to safeguard the rights of its indigenous population.
How has the administrative division of the Indonesian part of New Guinea been recently altered?
Answer: It was divided into four new provinces plus Southwest Papua.
Explanation: In 2022, the Indonesian government restructured the administrative divisions of western New Guinea, creating four new provinces (Papua, South Papua, Central Papua, and Highland Papua) and establishing Southwest Papua as a separate province.
What is the role of the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP), established under the Special Autonomy Law?
Answer: To protect Papuan rights and elevate the status of women.
Explanation: Established by the 2001 Law on Special Autonomy, the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) serves to safeguard the rights of Papuans and enhance the status of women within the region.
What was the significance of the 'Act of Free Choice' referendum conducted in 1969?
Answer: It determined the political future of Western New Guinea regarding integration with Indonesia.
Explanation: The Act of Free Choice was a referendum held in 1969 to decide the political status of Western New Guinea, ultimately leading to its integration with Indonesia.
New Guinea's ecosystems encompass a wide range beyond just rainforests and wetlands.
Answer: True
Explanation: New Guinea hosts a diverse array of ecosystem types, including glacial, alpine tundra, savanna, montane and lowland rainforests, mangroves, wetlands, and coral reefs.
Biogeographically, New Guinea belongs to the Australasian realm, with its fauna predominantly sharing characteristics with Australia rather than Asia.
Answer: True
Explanation: Biogeographically, New Guinea is part of Australasia. While its flora shows affinities with Asia, its fauna is overwhelmingly Australian, featuring many shared species like marsupials.
New Guinea covers less than half of one percent (0.5%) of the Earth's surface but contains between 5 and 10 percent of the planet's total species, indicating immense biodiversity for its size.
Answer: True
Explanation: New Guinea covers less than half of one percent (0.5%) of the Earth's surface but contains between 5 and 10 percent of the planet's total species, indicating immense biodiversity for its size.
Between 1998 and 2008, conservationists identified 1,060 new species in New Guinea, including mammals and birds.
Answer: True
Explanation: Between 1998 and 2008, conservationists identified 1,060 new species in New Guinea, encompassing various taxa including plants, reptiles, mammals, invertebrates, amphibians, birds, and fish.
A 2020 study identified New Guinea as the world's most floristically diverse island, surpassing Madagascar, Borneo, Java, and the Philippines.
Answer: True
Explanation: A 2020 study identified New Guinea as the world's most floristically diverse island, surpassing Madagascar, Borneo, Java, and the Philippines in the number of cataloged vascular plant species.
A high percentage of New Guinea's mammal species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else.
Answer: True
Explanation: New Guinea has 284 mammal species, and a significant 69% of these are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth.
Approximately 56% of the bird species found on New Guinea are endemic.
Answer: True
Explanation: There are 578 species of breeding birds on New Guinea, with 324 of these species, or about 56%, being endemic to the island.
New Guinea's coral reefs are exceptionally rich, containing approximately 75% of the world's known reef-building coral species.
Answer: True
Explanation: New Guinea's waters host approximately 600 species of reef-building coral, representing 75% of the world's known total, indicating significant marine biodiversity.
The WWF classifies New Guinea into twelve distinct terrestrial ecoregions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The WWF classifies New Guinea into twelve distinct terrestrial ecoregions, ranging from montane rainforests and sub-alpine grasslands to mangroves and lowland swamp forests.
The WWF has identified five distinct freshwater ecoregions within New Guinea.
Answer: True
Explanation: The WWF has identified five distinct freshwater ecoregions within New Guinea: Vogelkop–Bomberai, New Guinea North Coast, New Guinea Central Mountains, Southwest New Guinea–Trans-Fly Lowland, and Papuan Peninsula.
Botanically, New Guinea is part of Malesia and shares many tropical rainforest species with Asia, not Africa.
Answer: True
Explanation: Botanically, New Guinea is situated within the Malesia region, and its flora includes many tropical rainforest species with origins in Asia, alongside Australasian flora.
Approximately 54% of the island's primary forest cover is located in the western part of New Guinea.
Answer: True
Explanation: As of 2020, the western portion of New Guinea, encompassing the provinces of Papua and West Papua, retained approximately 54% of the island's primary forest cover.
Biogeographically, New Guinea belongs to which realm, and what does this imply regarding its fauna?
Answer: Australasia; fauna is overwhelmingly Australian, featuring marsupials.
Explanation: Biogeographically, New Guinea is part of Australasia. While its flora shows affinities with Asia, its fauna is overwhelmingly Australian, featuring many shared species like marsupials and monotremes.
What proportion of the Earth's surface does New Guinea occupy, relative to the proportion of global species it contains?
Answer: Less than 0.5% of surface, 5-10% of species
Explanation: New Guinea covers less than half of one percent (0.5%) of the Earth's surface but contains between 5 and 10 percent of the planet's total species, indicating immense biodiversity for its size.
How many new species were identified in New Guinea during the period of 1998 to 2008?
Answer: Exactly 1,060
Explanation: Between 1998 and 2008, conservationists identified 1,060 new species in New Guinea, encompassing various taxa including plants, reptiles, mammals, invertebrates, amphibians, birds, and fish.
According to a 2020 study, which island is considered the world's most floristically diverse, surpassing New Guinea?
Answer: None of the above; New Guinea is the most diverse.
Explanation: A 2020 study identified New Guinea as the world's most floristically diverse island, surpassing Madagascar, Borneo, Java, and the Philippines in the number of cataloged vascular plant species.
What percentage of New Guinea's mammal species are endemic to the island?
Answer: Approximately 69%
Explanation: New Guinea has 284 mammal species, and a significant 69% of these are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth.
What proportion of the world's known reef-building coral species are found within New Guinea's marine environments?
Answer: About 75%
Explanation: New Guinea's waters host approximately 600 species of reef-building coral, representing 75% of the world's known total, indicating significant marine biodiversity.
How many distinct freshwater ecoregions has the WWF identified within New Guinea?
Answer: Five
Explanation: The WWF has identified five distinct freshwater ecoregions within New Guinea: Vogelkop–Bomberai, New Guinea North Coast, New Guinea Central Mountains, Southwest New Guinea–Trans-Fly Lowland, and Papuan Peninsula.
As of 2020, what is the estimated percentage of primary forest cover remaining in the western part of New Guinea?
Answer: Approximately 54%
Explanation: As of 2020, the western portion of New Guinea, encompassing the provinces of Papua and West Papua, retained approximately 54% of the island's primary forest cover.
Historically, the island of New Guinea has also been referred to as 'Irian'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The island is known by several native names, including Niugini in Tok Pisin, Niu Gini in Hiri Motu, and Papua in Indonesian. Historically, it was also referred to as Irian.
The name 'Papua' may derive from a Malay word meaning 'frizzly-haired'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The etymology of 'Papua' is uncertain. Theories suggest it may come from the Tidore language, the Malay word 'papua' meaning 'frizzly-haired,' or the Biak phrase 'sup i babwa' meaning 'the land below [the sunset].'
The name 'Nugini' is primarily used as part of the country name Papua New Guinea and historical territory names.
Answer: True
Explanation: The name 'Nugini' is primarily used as part of the country name Papua Nugini (Papua New Guinea) and historical territory names like Dutch New Guinea (Nugini Belanda). It is considered a fossil word, largely confined to these specific contexts.
New Guinea is the most linguistically diverse area in the world, with over a thousand languages spoken.
Answer: True
Explanation: New Guinea is recognized as the most linguistically diverse area globally, with an estimated 1,073 languages spoken, far exceeding 'a few dozen'.
The majority of languages spoken on New Guinea belong to the Papuan language families, not the Austronesian family.
Answer: True
Explanation: While Austronesian languages are present, the majority of the estimated 1,073 languages spoken on New Guinea belong to the diverse group of Papuan languages.
Large areas of New Guinea remain scientifically unexplored, hosting numerous uncontacted tribal groups.
Answer: True
Explanation: Significant portions of New Guinea, particularly in the Indonesian province of West Papua, remain largely unexplored, and it is estimated that numerous uncontacted tribal groups inhabit these regions.
What is the estimated total number of languages spoken on the island of New Guinea?
Answer: Around 1,073
Explanation: New Guinea is recognized as the most linguistically diverse region globally, with an estimated 1,073 languages spoken across the island.
What are the two principal categories of languages spoken on New Guinea?
Answer: Papuan and Austronesian
Explanation: The linguistic landscape of New Guinea is broadly divided into two major categories: the indigenous Papuan languages, which form a diverse group, and the Austronesian languages, introduced by later settlers.
What is the current status of scientific exploration in the large, remote areas of New Guinea?
Answer: Largely unexplored, with many uncontacted tribal groups.
Explanation: Significant portions of New Guinea, particularly in the Indonesian province of West Papua, remain largely unexplored, and it is estimated that numerous uncontacted tribal groups inhabit these regions.