Oldest human footprints discovered in North America

Oldest human footprints in North America have been discovered in new scientific research conducted by archaeologists in New Mexico. The research conducted at the White Sands national park in New Mexico estimated that the footprints were between 21,000 and 23,000 years old. The discovery helps in understanding the time and location of early humans who arrived in the Americas, after dispersing from Africa and Asia.

Earlier, scientists were under the impression that the early humans in the Americas appeared around 11,000 to 13,000 years ago because of the stone spears that were found throughout North America. Scientists associated this instance with the Clovis culture.

Oldest human footprints discovered in North America - Where and How?

The first footprints were discovered in a dry lake bed in White Sands national park in 2009. The footprints were covered in layers of soil in the national park. Scientists at the US Geological Survey recently studied the seeds stuck in the footprints to determine how old are the footprints. They ascertained that the footprints were between 22,800 and 21,130 years old.

What evidence were found at the side of oldest human footprints?

Scientists speculate that the early humans came by a now-submerged land bridge that connect Asia to Alaska back then. They found several pieces of evidence such as fossil bones, stone tools, and genetic analysis. Based on the size, scientists determined that the footprints belonged to mostly children and teenagers.

How does the study of oldest human footprints help?

Scientists say that the scientific research of the oldest human footprints will help in providing a more solid timeline for when the early humans arrived in North America. Evidence such as fossil footprints is more direct and indisputable evidence than ‘cultural artifacts, modified bones, or other conventional fossils.

Earlier, scientists during excavations in White Sands national park discovered fossil footprints of a dire wolf, saber-toothed cat, Columbian mammoth, and other ice age animals.

Also read: Oldest human burial site found in Africa, dating back to 78,000 years old