As more ancient and modern genomes are added to the dataset, and as the computational methods improve, these estimates will be refined and the uncertainty ranges will narrow.

Some aspects of the current model may be confirmed by future research.

Others may be revised in ways that change the specific interpretation of USR1’s position in the Native American family tree, even if the broad finding — that she represents a distinct and ancient branch — remains intact.

This is not a weakness of the science.

It is how science works.

It is how understanding deepens.