Final answer:
The three geographic areas of Oceania are Melanesia, known for its cultural diversity and many indigenous groups; Micronesia, which consists of small islands with strategic importance; and Polynesia, with its widespread islands and significant indigenous populations like the Māori of New Zealand.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three main geographic areas of Oceania are Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. These regions are distinct in terms of physical geography, cultural heritage, and the indigenous populations that inhabit them.
Melanesia, meaning "black islands," includes countries like Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands. It is characterized by its culturally diverse population, with Papua New Guinea alone having more than 700 different indigenous groups and languages. Micronesia, meaning "tiny islands," comprises smaller islands and atolls in the western Pacific, such as the Federated States of Micronesia and Guam. These islands are often low-lying and are known for their strategic military importance and complex colonial histories. Polynesia spans the central and southern Pacific and includes island nations like Tonga, Samoa, and New Zealand, with the latter's indigenous Māori population making up almost 15% of its inhabitants. The cultural practices, arts, and traditions are a significant part of Polynesian identity.
A notable characteristic of Oceania's indigenous peoples is their seafaring expertise, which allowed them to travel vast distances and establish communities throughout the Pacific. The traditional methods of making a living on these islands typically involve subsistence farming, fishing, and in some areas, tourism has become a growing sector of the economy. Environmental concerns for these islands include climate change, rising sea levels, and the depletion of natural resources.