Peopling of the Americas - Theories -1- PRACTICE

Who first proposed the Land Bridge theory in the late 1500s?

• José de Acosta
• Christopher Columbus
• Beringia Columbus
• Charles Darwin

What is the common term for the land bridge that connected Asia and North America during glacial periods?

• Beringia
• Atlantis
• Solutrea
• Pangea

During the peaks of various ice ages, how much did ocean levels drop, exposing the land bridge?

• As much as 200 feet
• Exactly 100 feet
• Only 50 feet
• Over 500 feet

The archaeological record indicates that migration routes across the land bridge flowed from which continent to which?

• Asia to North America
• North America to Asia
• Europe to North America
• Africa to South America

What was one possible reason for people to migrate across the land bridge into North America?

• Following herds of animals
• Escaping volcanic eruptions
• Seeking warmer climates
• Developing new farming techniques

A problem with the Land Bridge theory is that DNA evidence could also suggest what?

• First Nations people migrated to and settled in Asia
• Ancient humans originated in North America
• Beringia was always covered by water
• Europeans were the first to cross the land bridge

What is one reason there is little physical evidence of Beringia today?

• It was either destroyed by glaciers or is still buried in them
• Early humans removed all traces of their passage
• It was never a solid land mass, only scattered islands
• Coastal erosion completely wiped it away

What is a significant problem that plagues ALL watercraft migration theories?

• Global sea levels have risen 100 meters since the last glacial period, submerging landing sites
• Ancient humans lacked the technology to build boats capable of ocean travel
• There is no evidence of marine life being hunted by early humans
• The currents in the oceans would have prevented any successful crossings

What advantage do coastlines offer that supports the idea of coastal migration?

• They are extremely productive environments with a wide range of food sources
• They provide easy access to inland hunting grounds
• They have always had stable climates suitable for human settlement
• They naturally direct migrants towards unglaciated corridors

What did the Pacific Coastal Model propose as a means of reaching North America?

• Following coastlines either by land or boat
• Crossing a series of inland freshwater lakes
• Direct flight over the ocean using early aircraft
• Constructing large land bridges between islands