Rapa Nui people did not destroy their island

A study of ancient genomes has dispelled the theory that early inhabitants of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, ravaged its ecosystem and caused the population to crash. The study analysed the Rapanui peoples’ genetics and found no sign of a population problem that could indicate a collapse. “This study, done with the endorsement of and input from officials and Indigenous community members, SERVES as the final nail in the coffin,” researchers said.