Genetic analysis of haplotypes and variants among living and precontact Native Americans indicates that:
A) Native Americans underwent a huge decline in genetic diversity after Columbus's arrival in the New World.
B) Native Americans living today appear to be as diverse genetically as their ancient ancestors thousands of years ago.
C) Native Americans have a genetic structure and haplogroups that are quite recent.
D) Native Americans living today appear to be more diverse genetically than their ancient ancestors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Various genetic studies have shown that pre-contact Native Americans had a relatively high genetic diversity, and this diversity has been maintained among modern Native Americans. Therefore, option B is the most suitable answer. Option A is incorrect because there is no evidence of a decrease in genetic diversity after Columbus's arrival. Option C is incorrect because genetic structures and haplogroups have been present for thousands of years. Option D is incorrect because modern Native Americans have a similar genetic diversity to their ancient ancestors.

Genetic Analysis of Haplotypes and Variants Among Living and Precontact