1. The Pacific Coast Migration Model theory states that hunters and gatherers traveled in boats along the Pacific Coast line and into the Americas. This theory can neither be totally confirmed nor denied because of the rise in sea level and therefore lack of evidence. Although there is no definite proof of this model, seafaring cultures found in the Pacific Rim support that people may have traveled from Asia into the Americas by boat. Another theory on the population of the Americas is the Ice Free Corridor. The Ice Free Corridor is a pathway between glacial slabs that traversed from Beringia to British Columbia. Hunters and gatherers are said to have chased bison and other megafauna through this ice free corridor and …show more content…
The most likely correct theory is the Pacific Coast Migration because of the strong evidence proving this model. First of all, data collected from the Beringia and the Pacific Rim area, show seafaring culture who in their travels could have come across the Americas. Furthermore, in order for some South American sites to be established, such as Monte Verde, humans would have to have left Beringia earlier than the ice free corridor opened. The Pacific Coast Migration could have occurred around 17,000 years ago which coincides with Monte Verde’s creation around 15,000 years ago. Moreover, the marine life in the area could have provided an abundance of food for the journey whereas along the glaciers, food could have become scarce because of the frigid …show more content…
The most outrageous theory would have to be the North Atlantic Ice-Edge Corridor Hypothesis. One reason is because of the unkind climates early humans would have had to endure from the Iberian Peninsula, around the Atlantic, and into the Americas. Additionally, all early humans were pushed out of Western Europe because of the Last Glacial Maximum and would have been unable to take this route. Furthermore, genetic information gathered from early human sites in the Americas closely resembles those from Asia rather than from Europe. Lastly, the Clovis people are said to rely on fish and other mammals while the Solutrean people were land-dwelling hunters and gathers.
4. There are many theories on who actually discovered the Americas if it was not Columbus. Most believe the Clovis people discovered the Americas after traveling along the ice bridge connecting Asia and America. On the other hand, Vikings such as Leif Eriksson also arrived in the Americas before Columbus. Furthermore, the Chinese are also said to have arrived in the Americas before Columbus, but it had become lost to them over time. We continue to celebrate Columbus Day because he is the one who opened up the Americas to European powers. He allowed Spain to conquer land, acquire raw resources, and enslave the natives as workers. Also this holiday was become entwined with our culture. Although not everyone agrees with Columbus Day, most still celebrate it but with different names