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Study claims First Americans were a small group


The first Americans were a small tribe of as few as 80 people, according to a study published on Monday.

Published online at PLoS Biology, the study [Text] looked at genetic markers common among certain Native Americans and Asians. Jody Hey at Rutgers University said the analysis showed only a small tribe from Asia came to North America between 7,000 and 14,000 years ago.

The study only looked at Native Americans who speak "Amerind" languages. Scientist say the Amerind group represented the first of three waves of migration into North America.

Get the Story:
Study: Ice age nomads were first North Americans (The Los Angeles Times 5/24)

Relevant Links:
PLoS Biology - http://www.plosbiology.org