What is the geographical classification of New Guinea in relation to Oceania?

New Guinea is classified as part of Oceania. More specifically, it is located in Melanesia, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.

How does New Guinea rank globally in terms of island size?

New Guinea is the world's second-largest island, covering an area of 785,753 square kilometers (303,381 square miles).

What geological connection did New Guinea share with Australia during the Pleistocene?

During episodes of low sea level in the Pleistocene glaciations, New Guinea was connected to Australia via a landmass known as Sahul. This combined landmass lay on the same continental shelf, linking the two regions.

Who named the island 'New Guinea', and why?

The island was named 'New Guinea' by the Spanish explorer Yñigo Ortiz de Retez in 1545. He chose this name because the indigenous peoples of the island bore a perceived resemblance to those found in the African region of Guinea.

How is the island of New Guinea politically divided today?

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, organized into six provinces: Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua, South Papua, Southwest Papua, and West Papua.

What are the two largest cities located on the island of New Guinea?

The two major cities on the island of New Guinea are Port Moresby, located in Papua New Guinea, and Jayapura, located in Indonesia's Western New Guinea region.

What are the native names mentioned for New Guinea?

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.

What are the different theories regarding the etymology of the name 'Papua'?

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].' It was also used by the Sultanate of Tidore to refer to its territories.

What is the significance of the name 'Nugini' in relation to New Guinea?

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.

Describe the general location and surrounding waters of New Guinea.

New Guinea is situated south of the equator in Oceania, north of the Australian mainland. It is bordered by the Arafura Sea to the west, and the Torres Strait and Coral Sea to the east. It lies west of the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands archipelago.

What geographical feature dominates the island's interior?

A spine of east-to-west mountains, known as the New Guinea Highlands, dominates the island's geography. This mountain range stretches over 1,600 km (1,000 miles) and contains many peaks exceeding 4,000 meters (13,100 feet).

What is the highest point on New Guinea, and what is its elevation?

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 climate feature is found at the highest elevations of New Guinea?

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. These glaciers have been observed to be retreating since at least 1936.

What are the primary habitat types found in New Guinea's lowlands?

The vast southern and northern lowlands of New Guinea feature diverse habitats, including lowland rainforests, extensive wetlands, savanna grasslands, and some of the world's largest mangrove forests.

Which major rivers drain the northern and southern lowlands of New Guinea?

The northern lowlands are primarily drained by the Mamberamo River in the west and the Sepik River in the east. The more extensive southern lowlands are drained by rivers such as the Digul in the west and the Fly River in the east.

How does the water discharge of the Fly River compare to rivers in Australia?

The Fly River alone carries approximately 238 km³ of water annually, which is more than all the rivers in Australia combined. This highlights the significant hydrological importance of New Guinea's river systems.

What diverse ecosystem types are present on New Guinea?

New Guinea hosts a wide array of ecosystem types, including glacial, alpine tundra, savanna, montane and lowland rainforests, mangroves, wetlands, lake and river ecosystems, seagrasses, and some of the planet's richest coral reefs.

Biogeographically, to which realm does New Guinea belong, and how does its flora and fauna relate to this?

Biogeographically, New Guinea is part of Australasia. While its flora shows more affinities with Asia, its fauna is overwhelmingly Australian, featuring many shared species like marsupials and monotremes.

What percentage of the Earth's surface does New Guinea occupy, and what proportion of global species does it contain?

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 between 1998 and 2008?

Between 1998 and 2008, conservationists identified 1,060 new species in New Guinea. This included 218 plants, 43 reptiles, 12 mammals, 580 invertebrates, 134 amphibians, 2 birds, and 71 fish.

How does New Guinea's flora diversity compare to other major islands globally?

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 types of mammals are found on New Guinea, and what percentage are endemic?

New Guinea has 284 mammal species, including monotremes, marsupials, rodents, and bats. A significant 69% of these mammal species are endemic to the island.

What is the estimated number of bird species on New Guinea, and how many are endemic?

There are 578 species of breeding birds on New Guinea, with 324 of these species, or about 56%, being endemic to the island.

What is the significance of New Guinea's coral reefs?

New Guinea boasts rich coral life, with about 600 species of reef-building coral found in its waters, representing 75% of the world's known total. The coral areas cover approximately 18 million hectares off the northwest coast.

According to the WWF, how many terrestrial ecoregions are found on New Guinea?

The WWF classifies New Guinea into twelve distinct terrestrial ecoregions, ranging from montane rainforests and sub-alpine grasslands to mangroves and lowland swamp forests.

How many freshwater ecoregions has the WWF identified in New Guinea?

The WWF and Nature Conservancy have identified five freshwater ecoregions within New Guinea: Vogelkop–Bomberai, New Guinea North Coast, New Guinea Central Mountains, Southwest New Guinea–Trans-Fly Lowland, and Papuan Peninsula.

When is the earliest estimated arrival of humans on New Guinea?

Archaeological evidence suggests humans may have arrived on New Guinea as early as 60,000 years ago, though this date is subject to ongoing debate among researchers.

What evidence suggests New Guinea was an early center of agriculture?

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 unique agricultural practice is associated with the New Guinea Highlands?

The New Guinea Highlands are known for their ancient, intensive permaculture systems, which include complex mulching, crop rotations, and terracing with irrigation. A notable feature is the silviculture of Casuarina oligodon, a native ironwood tree used for timber and fuel.

When did Austronesian peoples arrive in New Guinea, and what did they introduce?

Austronesian peoples are believed to have arrived in New Guinea approximately 3,500 years ago. They brought with them pigs and dogs, and their seafaring technology facilitated colonization of coastal areas and nearby islands.

Which ancient Indonesian kingdom claimed sovereignty over parts of New Guinea?

The Sultanate of Tidore, located in the Maluku Islands, claimed sovereignty over various coastal regions of New Guinea. Their influence extended to trade in resins, spices, slaves, and bird-of-paradise feathers.

What was the primary reason Europeans, starting with Yñigo Ortiz de Retez, named the island 'New Guinea'?

The name 'New Guinea' was given due to the perceived resemblance between the island's indigenous inhabitants and the people of the African region of Guinea.

Which European powers claimed parts of New Guinea in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, the Netherlands claimed the western half, Germany claimed the northeastern part (German New Guinea), and Britain claimed the southeastern part (later administered by Australia).

What significant discovery was made about the New Guinea highlands in 1938?

In 1938, Richard Archbold discovered the Grand Valley of the Baliem River, finding approximately 50,000 Stone Age farmers, the Dani people, who were the last large society to make first contact with the outside world.

What role did New Guinea play in World War II?

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.

What was the outcome of the West New Guinea dispute regarding its administration?

Following the West New Guinea dispute, the territory, formerly a Dutch colony, was handed over to the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority in 1962 and then taken over by Indonesia on May 1, 1963. It was subsequently renamed West Irian and later Irian Jaya.

What is the Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM)?

The Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM), or Free Papua Movement, was formed in 1965 and represents resistance to Indonesian integration and occupation in West Papua. It has been involved in both civil disobedience and armed struggle.

What significant demographic changes have occurred in Western New Guinea since Indonesian integration?

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.

What was the purpose of the 2001 Law on Special Autonomy in Papua?

The Law on Special Autonomy, passed in 2001, aimed to provide greater self-governance for the Indonesian province of Papua. It established a Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) to protect Papuan rights, improve the status of women, and ease religious tensions, supported by block grants.

How has the administrative division of the Indonesian part of New Guinea changed recently?

In 2022, the Indonesian government divided the original Papua Province into four provinces: Papua (capital Jayapura), South Papua (capital Merauke), Central Papua (capital Nabire), and Highland Papua (capital Jayawijaya). Additionally, Southwest Papua was split from West Papua.

What cultural practices, such as warfare and headhunting, were historically prevalent and addressed by colonial administrators?

Inter-village warfare and headhunting were widespread practices among the indigenous peoples of New Guinea. Colonial administrators in the German, Dutch, and British territories attempted to suppress these practices.

What is the estimated total number of languages spoken on the island of New Guinea?

New Guinea is the most linguistically diverse area in the world, with estimates suggesting around 1,073 languages spoken across the island, divided into Papuan and Austronesian language families.

What is the significance of the 'bird-of-paradise' comparison to New Guinea's shape?

The island's shape is often likened to a bird-of-paradise, a bird native to the region. This comparison leads to the naming of its westernmost part as the Bird's Head Peninsula and its southeastern part as the Bird's Tail Peninsula.

What is the role of the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) established by the Special Autonomy Law?

The Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) was established to protect the rights of Papuans, elevate the status of women in Papua, and help ease religious tensions within the region.

What are the two main categories of languages spoken on New Guinea?

The languages spoken on New Guinea are broadly categorized into Austronesian languages and Papuan languages. The latter group is a catch-all term for the majority of languages, most of which are unrelated to each other.

What is the approximate population of the island of New Guinea?

The current population of the island of New Guinea is estimated to be around fifteen million people.

What is the relationship between New Guinea's flora and Asian flora?

Botanically, New Guinea is part of Malesia, and its flora includes many tropical rainforest species that have origins in Asia, alongside typically Australasian flora.

What is the significance of the 'Act of Free Choice' referendum in 1969?

The Act of Free Choice was a referendum held in 1969 to determine the political future of Western New Guinea. It was conducted under the terms of the New York Agreement and involved a limited selection of Papuan elders voting on integration with Indonesia.

What is the estimated percentage of primary forest cover in the western part of New Guinea?

As of 2020, the western portion of New Guinea, comprising the provinces of Papua and West Papua, accounts for approximately 54% of the island's primary forest cover.

What are the main groups of people inhabiting New Guinea?

The island is primarily inhabited by Indigenous Papuan peoples, who are believed to be descended from the earliest human settlers. Austronesian peoples, arriving later, also inhabit coastal areas and offshore islands.

What is the status of scientific exploration in large areas of New Guinea?

Significant portions of New Guinea remain unexplored by scientists and anthropologists. The Indonesian province of West Papua alone is home to an estimated 44 uncontacted tribal groups.

New Guinea Wiki: New Guinea: An Island of Unparalleled Diversity

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Introduction

Geographic Significance

New Guinea stands as the world's second-largest island, encompassing an area of approximately 785,753 square kilometers (303,381 square miles). Situated in Melanesia within the southwestern Pacific Ocean, it is separated from mainland Australia by the Torres Strait. Historically, during periods of lower sea levels in the Pleistocene epoch, New Guinea was connected to Australia as part of a larger continental landmass known as Sahul.

Political Landscape

The island is politically divided. The western half, west of the 141st meridian east, constitutes part of Indonesia, organized into six provinces: Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua, South Papua, Southwest Papua, and West Papua. The eastern half forms the primary landmass of the independent nation of Papua New Guinea, comprising its Southern, Highlands, and Momase regions.

Cultural and Biological Hub

New Guinea is recognized as the most linguistically diverse area globally, home to nearly a thousand distinct tribal groups and an equivalent number of languages. Biologically, it is a region of immense significance, harboring between 5 to 10 percent of the planet's species, many of which are endemic. Its diverse ecosystems range from glacial alpine zones to extensive lowland rainforests and vibrant coral reefs.

Names and Etymology

Origins of "Papua"

The term "Papua" has been used historically to refer to parts of the island. Its etymology is debated; one theory suggests it derives from the Malay word "papua" or "pua-pua," meaning "frizzly-haired," referencing the indigenous inhabitants' distinctive hair texture. Another theory links it to the Biak phrase "sup i babwa," meaning "the land below [the sunset]," referring to the Raja Ampat Islands.

The "New Guinea" Designation

The name "New Guinea" was given by Spanish explorer Yñigo Ortiz de Retez in 1545. He observed a resemblance between the island's indigenous peoples and those of the African region of Guinea, leading to the designation "Nueva Guinea." This naming convention is shared with other toponyms that ultimately signify "land of the blacks" or similar descriptions.

Historical Nomenclature

Over time, the island has been known by various names. The Dutch referred to their colonial territory as "Nieuw Guinea." The name "Irian" was later adopted in Indonesia, derived from a Biak phrase with multiple interpretations, including "hot land" or "pillar of nation." This name was eventually replaced by "Papua" in the early 21st century.

Geography and Topography

Mountainous Spine

A prominent feature of New Guinea is the extensive New Guinea Highlands, a range of mountains stretching over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) across the island. This central spine contains Oceania's highest peaks, including Puncak Jaya, which reaches an elevation of 4,884 meters (16,023 feet). Equatorial glaciers exist on the tallest peaks, though they have been retreating significantly.

Diverse Lowlands and Wetlands

Complementing the highlands are vast southern and northern lowlands. These areas encompass lowland rainforests, extensive wetlands, savanna grasslands, and significant mangrove forests. The southern lowlands are home to Lorentz National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the northern lowlands are drained by major rivers like the Mamberamo and Sepik.

River Systems

New Guinea's rivers are characterized by their high water volume, a result of substantial annual rainfall. Major rivers on the north side include the Mamberamo, Sepik, and Ramu. On the south side, significant rivers are the Digul, Fly, Kikori, and Purari. The Fly River alone discharges more water annually than all Australian rivers combined, highlighting the island's hydrological significance.

Political Divisions

Indonesian West Papua

The western portion of New Guinea, west of the 141st meridian east, is administered by Indonesia across six provinces: Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua, South Papua, Southwest Papua, and West Papua. These provinces encompass diverse geographical and cultural regions within the island.

Independent Papua New Guinea

The eastern half of the island constitutes the mainland of the sovereign nation of Papua New Guinea. This territory is organized into four administrative regions, three of which are on the island itself: Southern, Highlands, and Momase. These regions are further divided into numerous provinces, reflecting the island's complex political and administrative structure.

Major Urban Centers

The island hosts significant urban centers, serving as administrative and economic hubs. The largest cities, by population, include Jayapura (Indonesia) and Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), which also serves as the national capital. Other notable cities include Sorong, Timika, Manokwari, and Lae.

The following table lists the ten largest cities on New Guinea by population:

Rank	City	Population	Country	Province
1	Jayapura	414,862	Indonesia	Papua
2	Port Moresby	383,000	Papua New Guinea	NCD
3	Sorong	294,978	Indonesia	Southwest Papua
4	Timika	142,909	Indonesia	Central Papua
5	Manokwari	107,325	Indonesia	West Papua
6	Lae	104,000	Papua New Guinea	Morobe
7	Merauke	102,351	Indonesia	South Papua
8	Nabire	99,848	Indonesia	Central Papua
9	Sentani	71,174	Indonesia	Papua
10	Wamena	66,080	Indonesia	Highland Papua

People and Cultures

Population and Diversity

New Guinea's population is estimated at approximately fifteen million people. The island is renowned for its extraordinary human diversity, hosting nearly a thousand distinct tribal groups and an equivalent number of languages. This linguistic richness makes it the most linguistically varied region on Earth. The inhabitants are broadly categorized into Papuan peoples, who represent the earliest human settlers, and Austronesian peoples, who arrived later through migration.

Societal Structures

Traditional Papuan societies exhibit diverse social structures, often including the practice of "men's houses," separate communal dwellings for adult males, distinct from family residences. Cultural practices frequently involve communal pig feasts and complex agricultural systems, adapted to the island's varied environments. These traditions reflect deep historical roots and intricate social organization.

Historical Migrations

The island's population history involves at least two major waves of migration. The earliest inhabitants, the ancestors of modern Papuans, arrived tens of thousands of years ago, likely from Southeast Asia via land bridges during the Pleistocene. Later, approximately 3,500 years ago, Austronesian seafarers migrated from Taiwan, settling along coastal areas and introducing new technologies, including domesticated pigs and dogs.

Biodiversity and Ecology

Global Biodiversity Hotspot

Despite covering less than 0.5% of the Earth's surface, New Guinea harbors an immense biodiversity, estimated to contain 5 to 10 percent of the planet's total species. This remarkable concentration includes thousands of species yet unknown to science, with conservationists identifying over 1,000 new species between 1998 and 2008 alone.

Flora of New Guinea

Botanically, New Guinea is considered part of Malesia, a floristic region characterized by a rich mix of tropical rainforest species. Its flora exhibits affinities with both Asia and Australasia. Notable plant life includes endemic conifers like Podocarpus, rainforest emergents such as Araucaria and Agathis, tree ferns, and various species of Eucalyptus.

Unique Fauna

The island's fauna is overwhelmingly Australasian in origin. It is home to distinctive marsupials like wallabies and possums, as well as the egg-laying monotreme, the echidna. Alongside native rodents and bats, introduced species like pigs and dogs are also present. The island's birdlife is particularly rich, with hundreds of species, many endemic, including the iconic birds-of-paradise.

Ecoregions

Terrestrial Ecoregions

New Guinea's varied topography and climate support a complex array of terrestrial ecoregions. According to the WWF, these include montane rainforests, sub-alpine grasslands, lowland rain and freshwater swamp forests, mangroves, and savanna grasslands. Notable examples include the Central Range montane rain forests, Northern New Guinea lowland rain forests, and the Trans-Fly savanna and grasslands.

Marine and Freshwater Realms

The waters surrounding New Guinea are equally rich in biodiversity. The island is bordered by significant marine ecoregions, including the Arafura Sea, Bismarck Sea, and Solomon Sea, known for their extensive coral reefs. Freshwater ecoregions, as defined by the WWF, include the New Guinea Central Mountains, Southwest New Guinea–Trans-Fly Lowland, and the Papuan Peninsula, reflecting the island's vital aquatic ecosystems.

Historical Overview

Ancient Habitation and Agriculture

Human presence on New Guinea dates back potentially 60,000 years, with evidence suggesting early inhabitants developed sophisticated agricultural systems in the highlands, including irrigation, as early as 10,000 years ago. Sugarcane cultivation is documented from around 6000 BCE, indicating New Guinea as a significant early center of agriculture.

Precolonial and Colonial Eras

Precolonial contact involved influence from Indonesian kingdoms like Majapahit and the Sultanate of Tidore, which claimed sovereignty over coastal areas. European exploration began in the 16th century, leading to claims by Spain, the Netherlands, Britain, and Germany. The island was divided into colonial territories, with administrative efforts focused on suppressing inter-tribal warfare and headhunting.

World War II and Post-War Transitions

During World War II, New Guinea became a critical battleground in the Pacific theater, with significant campaigns fought by Allied and Japanese forces. Following the war, the Australian-administered territories transitioned towards self-governance, culminating in the independence of Papua New Guinea in 1975. The western part of the island came under Indonesian administration, marked by political conflict and calls for self-determination.

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References

Recent Global Glacier Retreat Overview

Anthropology Professor Glenn Summerhayes, University of Otago, New Zealand. September 2010

First contact with isolated tribes?

Wikramanayake, Eric; Eric Dinerstein; Colby J. Loucks; et al. (2002). Terrestrial Ecoregions of the Indo-Pacific: a Conservation Assessment. Island Press; Washington, DC

Jackson, Michael. Minima ethnographica: Intersubjectivity and the anthropological project. University of Chicago Press, 1998, p. 109

Diamond, Jared. The Third Chimpanzee. Harper Collins, 1993

Jackson, Michael. Minima ethnographica: Intersubjectivity and the anthropological project. University of Chicago Press, 1998, p. 110

Report claims secret genocide in Indonesia â University of Sydney

A full list of references for this article are available at the New Guinea Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional geographical, historical, or cultural consultation. Always refer to authoritative sources and consult with qualified experts for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

New Guinea: An Island of Unparalleled Diversity

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

🗺️ Geographic Significance

⚖️ Political Landscape

🌐 Cultural and Biological Hub

Names and Etymology 🏷️

🗣️ Origins of "Papua"

🧭 The "New Guinea" Designation

📜 Historical Nomenclature

Geography and Topography 🌍

⛰️ Mountainous Spine

🌳 Diverse Lowlands and Wetlands

💧 River Systems

Political Divisions 🏛️

🇮🇩 Indonesian West Papua

🇵🇬 Independent Papua New Guinea

🏙️ Major Urban Centers

People and Cultures 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

👥 Population and Diversity

🏠 Societal Structures

📜 Historical Migrations

Biodiversity and Ecology 🌿

🌍 Global Biodiversity Hotspot

🌸 Flora of New Guinea

🐾 Unique Fauna

Ecoregions 🏞️

🌲 Terrestrial Ecoregions

🌊 Marine and Freshwater Realms

Historical Overview 📜

⏳ Ancient Habitation and Agriculture

⚔️ Precolonial and Colonial Eras

🎖️ World War II and Post-War Transitions

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Geographic Significance

Political Landscape

Cultural and Biological Hub

Names and Etymology

Origins of "Papua"

The "New Guinea" Designation

Historical Nomenclature

Geography and Topography

Mountainous Spine

Diverse Lowlands and Wetlands

River Systems

Political Divisions

Indonesian West Papua

Independent Papua New Guinea

Major Urban Centers

People and Cultures

Population and Diversity

Societal Structures

Historical Migrations

Biodiversity and Ecology

Global Biodiversity Hotspot

Flora of New Guinea

Unique Fauna

Ecoregions

Terrestrial Ecoregions

Marine and Freshwater Realms

Historical Overview

Ancient Habitation and Agriculture

Precolonial and Colonial Eras

World War II and Post-War Transitions

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice