Approximately when did humans migrate to the Americas?

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Prepare for the UCF ANT2511 Final Exam with quizzes covering key concepts in anthropology. Study with multiple-choice questions, each packed with hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and get ready for exam success!

The migration of humans to the Americas is estimated to have occurred around 15,000 years ago, with evidence suggesting that this process may have started even earlier, around 20,000 years ago. One of the main theories proposes that these early humans crossed a land bridge known as Beringia, which connected Asia and North America during the last Ice Age when sea levels were much lower.

The significance of the timing around 15,000 years ago reflects archaeological findings, such as tools and human remains found at various sites, indicating that groups of hunter-gatherers were among the first to inhabit the Americas. This timeline aligns with the development of early civilizations and patterns of human adaptation as they spread through North America and eventually into Central and South America.

In this case, while 10,000 years ago is too recent to account for the initial migration, as it would coincide more with significant developments in agriculture and sedentary societies, the date around 15,000 years ago captures the essential period of early human settlement in the Americas.