New research shows that fossil footprints discovered at the edge of an ancient lakebed in New Mexico's White Sands National Park date back to between 21,000 and 23,000 years ago. Previously, archaeologists thought human ancestors arrived about 15,000 years ago. The research was published Thursday in the journal Science. Scientists analyzed conifer pollen and quartz grains found at the site to reach date estimates. Earlier research that analyzed seeds of aquatic plants found at the site also produced similar date estimates. Ancient humans at White Sands lived alongside giant ground sloths, bison and other megafauna.
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.This Oct. 2023 photo made available by the National Park Service shows Human footprints infilled with white gypsum sand.
The new study presents two additional lines of evidence for the older date range. It uses two entirely different materials found at the site, ancient conifer pollen and quartz grains.
Thomas Stafford, an independent archaeological geologist in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who was not involved in the study, said he “was a bit skeptical before” but now is convinced. The new study isolated about 75,000 grains of pure pollen from the same sedimentary layer that contained the footprints.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Casey White’s unseen letters to Vicky White featured on ‘20/20′ Alabama manhunt specialThe search for the escaped inmate and the Lauderdale County jailer is the focus of “Catch Us If You Can,“ airing Friday on ABC.
Read more »
White House waives 26 federal laws to speed up U.S.-Mexico border wall constructionThe continuation of border wall construction in Texas is a major policy pivot for the Biden administration and comes amid an influx of migrants at the border.
Read more »
Mexico flags plan after Grupo Mexico's chemical spill efforts deemed insufficientMexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday he hoped to have a proposal within 15 days regarding a 2014 chemical spill in the Sonora River by mining and transportation conglomerate Grupo Mexico .
Read more »
New ‘Chucky’ Season 3 Poster Puts the White House in the Killer Doll’s GraspThe acclaimed horror series stars Zackary Arthur, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Björgvin Arnarson, and Brad Dourif as the voice of Chucky.
Read more »
10,000,000,000,000x the Energy of Visible Light: Pulsar’s Record-Breaking Gamma Rays Baffle ScientistsScience, Space and Technology News 2023
Read more »