The field of molecular anthropology has grown in recent years with the advent of new methodologies and theoretical assumptions. The field has been particularly insightful in helping understand the initial peopling of North America. The author discusses the field of molecular anthropology and its insights into the peopling of North America, examining in detail the mtDNA and Y chromosome genetic data. Written in a clear, readable fashion, the author gives an overview of the topic for researchers, graduate students, and other professionals who are interested in this exciting new area of inquiry and the possibilities it holds for such contentious issues as biological affiliation, the peopling of North America, and historic population movements.