The population of the Americas made up of only a small portion of the total world population for thousands of years. some estimates say that there were about 8 million people living in North America and about 24 million people living in South America at the time of the European exploration. At the same time, Africa had a population of about 47 million, Europe's population was about 78 million, and Asia had a population of about 286 million.

based on what you've learned so far, why do you think the Americas were less populated than other areas of the world?

Briefly explain your ideas in 50 to 75 words.

It was far away and the last continent to be settled.

Explanation:

The Americas were located across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa, the place of origin of the human species. When humans began migrated out of Africa, they did so following the easiest land routes. As such, humans arrived to China and Europe much sooner than they arrived in America.

It has been speculated that humans first arrived in the Americas from Asia. This is presumed to have occurred by crossing the Bering Land Bridge or, possibly, the Pacific in boats from Polynesia.

Even during the European Age of Exploration, sailing across the oceans was a massive feat, and no one really new what awaited hapless mariners on the other side. When they arrived, they found lands that were settled, but they were not the islands they had been looking for.