Dennis O'Rourke, University of Utah (IMAGE) University of Utah Caption University of Utah anthropologist Dennis O'Rourke co-authored a Perspective column in the journal Science arguing that genetic, ancient environmental and archaeological evidence can be reconciled in support of the idea that the ancestors of Native Americans spent some 10,000 years living in brushy refuges on the Bering land bridge en route from Siberia to the Americas. Contrary to common misperception, the "bridge" really was a landmass 1,000 miles wide from north to south and covered most of the area now shown as ocean on the map around, behind and above O'Rourke's head. Credit Lee J. Siegel, University of Utah. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.