One big land became islands
During the Ice Age, the sea was low. Much of Southeast Asia was joined together as one large area of dry land. Scholars call this lost land Sundaland. People and animals could walk across it.
The sea returns
When the last Ice Age ended, the ice melted and the sea level rose. The rising water covered the low land. The high parts stayed above the water and became the islands we know today, such as those of the Malay world.
- Old Sundaland was split into many islands.
- New seas and straits formed between the islands.
- Some plants and animals became trapped on separate islands.
- People had to travel by boat across the water.
Key idea
The rising sea broke one large land in Southeast Asia into the many islands and seas we see today.
Remember
- In the Ice Age, Southeast Asia had more dry land (Sundaland).
- The rising sea made islands and straits.
- People began travelling by boat.