Final answer:
Paleo-Americans likely sailed close to shore to pull ashore and get supplies of food and water, supported by the coastal migration theory and archaeological evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question asks about the reasons that Paleo-Americans who migrated to the Americas might have sailed close to the shore. Among the options provided, the most accurate answer, based on historical evidence and theories, is to pull ashore to get supplies of food and water.
The coastal migration theory supports the idea that early peoples traveled by boat along the coastlines, which would have allowed them not only to travel faster and more easily but also to access resources available along the shore, such as food from the rich marine environment and fresh water. This theory is strengthened by archaeological findings in South America that predate the Clovis sites in North America, such as Monte Verde in Chile and Taima-Taima in western Venezuela.
Furthermore, coastal travel would have been essential for survival, as it provided a direct source of sustenance from the marine and coastal environments, which were rich in resources such as kelp, fish, shellfish, birds, and sea mammals. Thus, it was vital for migrating groups to stay close to shore where they could readily find necessary supplies and ensure their survival while on long sea voyages.