How did the ancestors of the Arawaks end up in America?

• A. They followed ancient trade routes
• B. They migrated by boat to America
• C. They crossed a land bridge from Europe
• D. They were following the herds of deer which were the source of their food

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is how populations reached the Caribbean. The ancestors of the Arawaks moved from the mainland into the Caribbean by sea, using canoes to travel along the coast and hop island to island from the South American mainland, particularly from the Orinoco region. This maritime migration fits their later livelihood as farmers and fishers who worked along rivers and coastlines.

Following deer herds isn’t a good fit because Caribbean environments didn’t sustain large deer migrations as a driver for settling there, and the islands require seafaring to reach; there’s also no land bridge from Europe that would connect to the Americas in this context. So, migrating by boat from the mainland is the most accurate explanation.