Loading...
Genetic history and pre-Columbian Diaspora of Chibchan speaking populations: Molecular genetic evidence
Melton, Phillip Edward
Melton, Phillip Edward
Citations
Altmetric:
Abstract
This dissertation examined Y-Chromosome and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic variation in 230 individuals from five (Rama, Chorotega, Huetar, Maléku, and Guaymi) indigenous populations inhabiting lower Central America in order to determine the evolutionary history and biological relationship among Chibchan-speakers and neighboring groups. Mitochondrial genetic diversity observed in Chibchan populations indicates a biological relationship with two Mesoamerican groups (Chorotega and K'iche Maya). However, Chibchan populations are biologically differentiated from eastern and Andean South American indigenous groups. Y-chromosome variation demonstrates a shared paternal biological relationship between Mesoamerican and northern Chibchan populations, whereas southern Chibchan and South American groups demonstrate a closer genetic association. This study is concluded by supporting mtDNA evidence for the endogenous development of Chibchan-speaking populations in lower Central America. However, recent demographic events impacted the paternal genetic structure of these groups.
Description
Date
2008-01-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Kansas
Archive Status
This item contains archived web content.
Files
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Physical anthropology, Central America, Chibchan, Molecular anthropology, Mitochondrial dna, Y-chromosome