Land bridge Connecting Asia & North America (College Board AP® US History)

Study Guide

Barbara Keese

Written by: Barbara Keese

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Migration of early Indigenous Peoples

  • During the Ice Age, the first people arrived in the region now known as North America

  • They traveled across a land bridge from Asia

Map showing the migration route from Beringia through an ice-free corridor between the Laurentide and Cordilleran ice sheets to Clovis and Folsom sites.
  • The migration from Alaska to South America took more than 1000 years

  • The people followed large herds of animals, such as mammoths

  • They survived by eating plants, small game, and fish

  • People migrated in small groups

    • As a result hundreds of different tribes formed

AWAITING IMAGE

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Answering Multiple Choice Questions

When taking a multiple-choice test, eliminate as many of the wrong answers as possible. It is better that you guess between a few probable choices than to leave the answer blank.

Worked Example

While no one knows how the first humans came to the Western Hemisphere, it is believed they crossed a land bridge during the Ice Age. An exam question based on this section may ask you what some of the reasons are for this migration?

Example:

Which of the following factors most likely contributed to the migration of early human populations across a land bridge between Asia and North America?

(A)          Development of advanced maritime technology

(B)          Pursuit of large game animals, such as mammoths

(C)          Expansion of agricultural practices from Asia to North America

(D)          Religious or ceremonial motivations tied to ancestral homelands.

Answer: (B) The people followed large herds of animals, such as mammoths.

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Barbara Keese

Author: Barbara Keese

Expertise: History Content Creator

Barbara is an experienced educator with over 30 years teaching AP US History, AP Human Geography, and American History to grades 6–11 in Texas. She has developed teacher training, authored curricula, and reviewed textbooks to align with educational standards. Barbara has also served on Texas’ textbook adoption committee and the Round Rock History Preservation Commission, contributing to history education beyond the classroom. She holds a Master’s in Curriculum Development and certifications in History and Gifted/Talented Education. In her free time, she enjoys historical fiction and quilting blankets for veterans.

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.