What is the approximate age of Kennewick Man as deduced from carbon dating?

The age of Kennewick Man, based on carbon dating, is approximately 9,000 years. This significant finding is important because it establishes Kennewick Man as one of the oldest and best-preserved skeletons in North America, providing critical insights into the life and environment of early humans in that region. Carbon dating measures the decay of carbon-14 in organic materials, which allows researchers to estimate the time since the organism's death. The conclusion that Kennewick Man dates back to around 9,000 years ago places him firmly in the time of the late Pleistocene to early Holocene epochs, a period known for dramatic climatic changes and the development of early human cultures. This timeframe also aligns with significant archaeological discoveries that suggest the presence of humans in North America around that time, enhancing our understanding of migration patterns and early human activity in the Americas.