This timing is one of the reasons that many researchers favor the coastal route hypothesis for the initial dispersal, though the absence of direct coastal-route archaeological evidence — because much of the relevant coastline is now submerged — makes this difficult to confirm.

The genetics of early Native American populations will continue to provide important constraints on these route and timing questions.

Ancient DNA from individuals who lived shortly after the founding period — in the period 12,000 to 15,000 years ago — can in principle document the patterns of genetic differentiation that reflect the specific dispersal routes and founding population structure.

As more ancient genomes from this critical period become available, the genetic picture of the American founding will become progressively clearer.

The Paisley Caves will continue to be a reference point in these discussions — not as the final word on pre-Clovis occupation of the Americas, but as one of the best-documented, most methodologically robust contributions to the pre-Clovis evidence base.