Limited evidence suggests the existence of regional groups. For example, the Minnesota specimens, Browns Valley and Pelican Rapids, are markedly different from Great Basin groups represented by Spirit Cave and Wizards Beach. The western skeletons seem to exhibit greater similarities to Pacific populations, suggesting coastal migration routes rather than the more commonly postulated Bering Land Bridge route. Preliminary evidence indicates Kennewick Man is differentiated from other ancient skeletons, suggesting another population. Relationships between early populations and recent Native Americans.
Current evidence demonstrates that early populations differ markedly from recent ones.
The reason for these differences has yet to be determined. Kennewick Man can make a substantial contribution to answering these questions.