Researchers have conducted a study on ancient DNA to determine the timeline of human migration into North America, addressing a scientific mystery that has persisted for decades. The study reviewed genetic and archaeological evidence to ascertain when humans first arrived in the Americas, suggesting that humans may have reached the continent between 14,000 and 20,000 years ago.
Previously, the prevailing theory called ‘Clovis First’ posited that humans arrived around 13,500 years ago. However, recent discoveries challenge this timeline, proposing that humans might have arrived thousands of years earlier. The research led by Bethany Potter and Savannah Hay from the University of Kansas analyzed evidence, such as 23,000-year-old footprints found at White Sands National Park in New Mexico. These footprints imply a possible earlier habitation of North America than available genetic evidence suggests.
Genetic variations from ancient human remains in Asia and the Americas were studied to trace the ancestry of early Indigenous populations. According to the review, some ancestral lineages diverged approximately 21,000 years ago. The researchers identified a split in Native American populations into northern and southern groups around 15,500 years ago, likely occurring south of ancient ice sheets covering North America.
Historical genomic data indicate a unique migration dynamic, with a small group of people entering the continent without other humans present. Despite advancements in understanding the migration timelines, some ambiguities persist regarding the specific timings and geographic locations where populations diverged.
Recent archaeological discoveries have further utilized ancient DNA to uncover historical details. For instance, scientists found ancient sheep pox virus DNA in a 1,000-year-old English manuscript. In Chile, ancient smallpox DNA was discovered in mummies, providing genetic evidence of the disease in South America.