The Beringia Crossing Archaeologists study migration. Humans first migrated from Africa. But how did humans move to North America? One idea is that they crossed Beringia. Beringia was the land bridge between Asia and North America. It existed during the last ice age. A small group from Siberia in Asia may have crossed the land bridge and settled in America. Researchers found evidence for this migration. They analyzed DNA, language, and artifacts.

Scientists studied the genes of American Indians and Siberian groups. Genes are inherited. They found that most American Indian groups are descended from Siberian peoples. Some groups stayed in North America. Others moved south. Some stayed in Central America. Some moved along the coast to South America.

Languages are also evidence for migration. People bring their languages with them. Researchers found similarities between the North American languages and the languages of Siberia. The languages use similar rules.

Artifact evidence is also important. Archaeologists have found similar stone objects in Siberia and North America. They also found similar tools. Some tools were used to make clothes. Warm clothes were needed for migration. There is evidence that hunter-gatherers crossed Beringia to reach the Americas.

Why do archaeologists believe that early peoples crossed Beringia? Choose two answers.

DNA evidence shows that American Indians and Siberians are related.
American Indian and Siberian languages share similar rules.
American Indian and Siberian art share similar patterns.
DNA evidence links several American Indian tribes.
Siberian tools were used to hunt effectively.