Which statement best describes the navigational skills of the Polynesians?

Discover the Mesoamerica Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam effortlessly!

The statement that best describes the navigational skills of the Polynesians is that they were great navigators with a deep understanding of the sky. Polynesians are renowned for their exceptional wayfinding techniques, which involved a profound knowledge of celestial navigation, ocean swells, winds, and the behavior of marine life. They used the positions of stars, the sun, and the moon as critical guides to traverse vast distances across the Pacific Ocean, often navigating without modern instruments.

This remarkable skill allowed them to discover and settle numerous islands in the Pacific, including Hawaii, Easter Island, and New Zealand, showcasing not only their navigational prowess but also their deep cultural and practical expertise in understanding their environment. The sophistication of their navigation was such that they were able to travel thousands of miles, often accurately predicting their arrival at intended destinations.

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