The theory of continental drift, proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century, suggests that continents were once part of a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since drifted apart over millions of years. This geological process has taken place over an extremely long timescale, far predating the existence of modern humans.
The timeline for human evolution and the spread of humans across different continents is quite different from the timescale of continental drift. Modern humans (Homo sapiens) evolved in Africa around 200,000 years ago. As humans migrated out of Africa, they spread across the globe over thousands of years. This migration was driven by various factors, such as the search for new food sources, changing climates, and other environmental pressures.
The first humans to reach North America likely did so by crossing a land bridge that existed between Asia and North America, known as Beringia. During the last ice age, when sea levels were lower due to the accumulation of ice, this land bridge provided a route for humans and other animals to move between the continents.
It's essential to understand that the continental drift and the spread of humans across different continents are separate processes that occurred over vastly different time frames. Continental drift is a geological process that takes place over millions of years, whereas human evolution and migration are biological and cultural processes that have occurred over much shorter timescales in comparison.
Archaeological evidence and genetic studies have helped us piece together the story of human migration and settlement in different parts of the world, including North America. The discoveries of human remains and artifacts in North America provide valuable insights into our past, but they do not conflict with the theory of continental drift.