[Physicist]

Radiocarbon dating showed that humans were unquestionably at the site between 14,000 and 15,000 years ago and possibly as early as 16,000 years ago, according to Adovasio's findings.

But some scholars believe the samples could have been contaminated with coal that dissolved into groundwater.

I wonder why the author says "unquestionably", and then follows it immediately with a question.

[balrog666]

Has no independent verification been allowed? If so, where did he publish?

[NukeMan]

Heh! Exactly right. If there were no controversy, the article would not exist. Her inclusion of 'unquestionably' reminds me of the misuse of 'literally' - people are often meaning 'figuratively' instead.