Ancient DNA narrows timeline of first humans in North America

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 18:38 · Archive

Genetic evidence suggests humans reached North America between 14,000 and 20,000 years ago, earlier than previously thought.

Researchers at the University of Kansas have reviewed ancient DNA and archaeological evidence to narrow down when humans first migrated to North America, a question that has puzzled scientists for decades. The study, led by Bethany Potter and Savannah Hay, will be published in the December 2026 issue of Current Opinion in Genetics & Development.

Genetic evidence most strongly supports humans reaching the Americas between 14,000 and 20,000 years ago, with arrival before 15,000 years ago considered likely. This challenges the 'Clovis First' theory, which previously suggested humans arrived roughly 13,500 years ago. Later archaeological discoveries have already called that timeline into question, suggesting arrival thousands of years earlier.

The researchers examined 23,000-year-old human footprints discovered at White Sands National Park in New Mexico, which suggest humans inhabited North America earlier than the timeline currently supported by genetic evidence. Such early populations could have belonged to genetic lineages that have not yet been sampled or that left no surviving descendants. The team also found that ancestral Native American populations likely split into northern and southern groups roughly 15,500 years ago, south of the ice sheets that once covered much of North America, indicating their ancestors had already reached the continent before this split.

How it is being reported

• Ancient DNA discovery adjusts timeline of first North American humans: new studyScientists previously thought people arrived in North America around 13,500 years ago.New York Post · 19 Oct, 18:22
• Ancient DNA challenges theories about when humans first reached North AmericaUniversity of Kansas researchers reviewed ancient DNA and 23,000-year-old White Sands footprints to trace early human migration into North America.Fox News · 19 Oct, 13:00

In this story: University of Kansas · Bethany Potter · Savannah Hay · White Sands National Park · North America

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