Introduction to North American Prehistory and Early Native Cultures (copy) (copy)

Homo sapiens

The sole surviving branch of the human family tree, existing for approximately $300,000$ to $400,000$ years.

Bering Land Bridge

A landmass exposed during the last Ice Age that allowed human migration from Asia to North America.

Clovis Points

Stone tools associated with the Clovis culture, dating back to approximately $13,000$ to $15,000$ years ago.

Radiocarbon Dating

A method developed in the mid-$20\text{th}$ century to determine the age of organic materials based on radioactive decay.

Nomadic Bands

Small groups consisting of $20$ to $50$ individuals that follow the movement of animal herds for sustenance.

Pre-Clovis discoveries

Excavations challenging the Clovis-first model, suggesting human presence in the Americas over $13,000$ years ago.

Mesoamerica

The region encompassing Mexico and Central America, known for large urban civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs.

Semi-Sedentary Societies

Communities that combine hunting, gathering, and partial agriculture, usually relocating every $10$ to $15$ years due to soil exhaustion.

Bone Trail

Archaeological mapping of migration pathways based on animal bones since human skeletal remains are rare.

Creation Story Commonalities

The notion that virtually all indigenous traditions share the premise of human creation within the Americas.