Beringia and the peopling of the Americas

Record summary

Beringia was an exposed land region linking northeastern Asia and Alaska during lower sea levels, providing a major framework for studying the movement and possible long-term isolation of human populations. Genetic, archaeological and palaeoenvironmental evidence has been used to evaluate a proposed Beringian standstill before later dispersal into the Americas. The lead matters for comparing migration routes, climate refugia and changing coastlines. Key uncertainties include the timing and location of early occupations, the role of coastal travel and the interpretation of sparse or disputed sites.