One of the earliest North American human occupation sites, dating to more than 18,000 years ago, was discovered in Oregon.
Stone tools and the teeth of an extinct camel and bison discovered in central Oregon show that people were living in North America 18,250 years ago, new research finds. Although this is not the earliest date for human occupation of the Americas that has been proposed, the finding, which is not yet published in a peer-reviewed study, appears to be thousands of years older than any other archaeological site in Oregon.
Given this already surprisingly old date based on geological layers, the researchers decided to directly test some of the remains — including the tooth enamel of a Camelops, a now-extinct camel — to obtain solid dates. For example, a set of human footprints in New Mexico may date to 23,000 years ago, and a newly reported find of human-modified sloth bones from Brazil dates to 27,000 years ago, both well before the peak of the ice age about 20,000 years ago. However, many archaeologists still find these lines of evidence for human presence circumstantial and would prefer to see directly dated skeletons or genetics to confirm these dates.
Paulette Steeves, an archaeologist at Algoma University in Canada who was not involved in the research, said Rimrock Draw is an interesting site."Archaeologists that work on sites that are older than 11[,000] or 12,000 years are extremely careful with their dating and their work because of the historical pushback on older sites," she told Live Science in an email.
—Humans crossed the Bering Land Bridge to people the Americas. Here's what it looked like 18,000 years ago.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Satellite imagery shows just how many wildfires are currently burningSatellite imagery from the National Weather Service shows just how many wildfires were burning in the area this week.
Leer más »
Chicago crime: Same thieves responsible for robbing at least 5 people at gunpoint on Northwest SidePolice are searching for three men who are accused of robbing people at gunpoint across Chicago's Northwest Side this month.
Leer más »
Chicago Police Warn of Armed Robberies Across North, Northwest SidesChicago police are warning North and Northwest Side residents to stay alert after 23 armed robberies occurred between July 8 and July 11 across several community areas, sometimes just minutes apart.
Leer más »
Gary shooting: K-9 shot in northwest Indiana, police sayThe Gary Police Department said a K-9 officer was struck by gunfire.
Leer más »
Woman dead after being shot during argument with another woman at northwest Harris County apartment complexThe Harris County Sheriff’s Office said a woman has died at a hospital after being shot by another woman during an argument at a northwest Harris County apartment complex.
Leer más »