Question

In 1831, French explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville proposed dividing the Pacific Island region into three groups based on geography and culture. The island groups were __________.
A.
Melanesia, Hawaii, and Galapagos
B.
Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia
C.
Polynesia, Greater Antilles, and Hawaii
D.
Micronesia, Melanesia, and Indonesia

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. In 1831, French explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville proposed dividing the Pacific Island region into three groups based on geography and culture. The island groups were Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

Dumont d'Urville divided Oceania into three different regions:

Melanesia, the black islands, from the Greek melas, "black", and nesos, "islands".

Micronesia, the small islands, from the Greek micro, "small", and nesos, "islands".

Polynesia, the numerous islands, of the Greek poly, "multiple", and nesos, "islands".