The Americas were completely populated by the descendants of a single group of people who walked across Beringia (from Siberia to Alaska) about 16,000 years ago. \[ \text { True } \]

The statement contains both accurate and oversimplified elements. Here's a more detailed breakdown: ### **Accurate Aspects:** 1. **Beringia Migration:** It is widely accepted that the first inhabitants of the Americas migrated from Siberia to Alaska via the Bering Land Bridge, known as Beringia. This migration is estimated to have occurred roughly between **16,000 and 20,000 years ago**, aligning with the timeframe mentioned. ### **Oversimplified or Inaccurate Aspects:** 1. **Single Group Descent:** The assertion that the Americas were "completely populated by the descendants of a single group of people" is an oversimplification. **Genetic, archaeological, and linguistic evidence** suggests that there were **multiple waves of migration** from different groups over time. These groups likely had diverse origins and brought varied cultures and technologies. 2. **Complete Population:** The statement implies a uniform population, whereas the peopling of the Americas was likely a complex process involving **diverse populations** that settled in different regions, leading to the rich cultural and genetic diversity observed among Indigenous peoples today. ### **Current Understanding:** Modern research indicates that the initial migration may have involved **several groups** rather than a single, homogenous population. Additionally, there may have been subsequent migrations that contributed to the genetic and cultural landscape of the Americas. ### **Conclusion:** While the foundational idea that the Americas were populated via migration across Beringia around 16,000 years ago is **generally accurate**, the notion that this population descended from a **single group** is **simplistic** and doesn't fully capture the complexity revealed by current scientific evidence.