John C. Avise
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195393439
- eISBN:
- 9780199775415
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195393439.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter addresses various gratuitous complexities—inherent in the human genome—that routinely compromise personal health. These range from problems associated with split genes (wherein introns ...
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This chapter addresses various gratuitous complexities—inherent in the human genome—that routinely compromise personal health. These range from problems associated with split genes (wherein introns are interspersed with exons), to various complications from the Byzantine mechanisms of gene regulation and nucleic acid surveillance, to the peculiarities of genomic imprinting, to the astoundingly bizarre structure and function of mitochondrial DNA. To explain these baroque features and their oft‐deleterious health consequences, explanations from theology and philosophy are contrasted with those that emerge from the evolutionary‐genetic sciences.Less
This chapter addresses various gratuitous complexities—inherent in the human genome—that routinely compromise personal health. These range from problems associated with split genes (wherein introns are interspersed with exons), to various complications from the Byzantine mechanisms of gene regulation and nucleic acid surveillance, to the peculiarities of genomic imprinting, to the astoundingly bizarre structure and function of mitochondrial DNA. To explain these baroque features and their oft‐deleterious health consequences, explanations from theology and philosophy are contrasted with those that emerge from the evolutionary‐genetic sciences.
Norman A. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195306750
- eISBN:
- 9780199790203
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195306750.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
Unlike most of our genes, mitochondrial DNA is transmitted solely by mothers; males are a dead-end for the mitochondria. Evolutionary biologists have determined that the most recent common ancestor ...
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Unlike most of our genes, mitochondrial DNA is transmitted solely by mothers; males are a dead-end for the mitochondria. Evolutionary biologists have determined that the most recent common ancestor of all mitochondrial genetic variants was a woman who lived in Africa about 200,000 years ago. That we can trace back all mitochondrial DNA back to a single female (the mitochondrial Eve) is not a surprise. In fact, it is a simple consequence of population genetics. The location in time and place of this common ancestor does inform us about human demography and evolution. However, genetic recombination coupled with evolutionary forces will cause different genes to vary in their evolutionary histories. The mitochondrial “Eve” did not know the common ancestor of Y chromosomes, “Adam”. In fact, it is likely that the Y-chromosome Adam lived tens of thousands of years after the mitochondrial Eve.Less
Unlike most of our genes, mitochondrial DNA is transmitted solely by mothers; males are a dead-end for the mitochondria. Evolutionary biologists have determined that the most recent common ancestor of all mitochondrial genetic variants was a woman who lived in Africa about 200,000 years ago. That we can trace back all mitochondrial DNA back to a single female (the mitochondrial Eve) is not a surprise. In fact, it is a simple consequence of population genetics. The location in time and place of this common ancestor does inform us about human demography and evolution. However, genetic recombination coupled with evolutionary forces will cause different genes to vary in their evolutionary histories. The mitochondrial “Eve” did not know the common ancestor of Y chromosomes, “Adam”. In fact, it is likely that the Y-chromosome Adam lived tens of thousands of years after the mitochondrial Eve.
Jonathan S. Friedlaender, Françoise R. Friedlaender, Jason A. Hodgson, Stacy McGrath, Matthew Stoltz, George Koki, Theodore G. Schurr, and D. Andrew Merriwether
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195300307
- eISBN:
- 9780199790142
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195300307.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter reports the mitochondrial DNA diversity in the Southwest Pacific, focusing on the extensive structure of this variation in Northern Island Melanesia. It shows that a constellation of ...
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This chapter reports the mitochondrial DNA diversity in the Southwest Pacific, focusing on the extensive structure of this variation in Northern Island Melanesia. It shows that a constellation of mitochondrial variants in Northern Island Melanesia is particularly old and not found beyond the Wallace Line to the west. These variants must have developed subsequent to initial settlement some 40,000-50,000 years ago. The evidence also suggests a subsequent series of expansions into the region from the west, through the Upper Pleistocene and into the Holocene. The most recent involve haplogroup E and the so-called “Polynesian Motif” (haplogroup B4a1a1). This “Motif” clearly in Near Oceania forms a haplogroup that was introduced from Island Southeast Asia, and is closely associated with the Lapita phenomenon. There are some problems with the distribution of the “Motif” in Island Melanesia that require explanation. Overall, the mitochondrial DNA diversity is organized on a clear island-by-island basis, with the Papuan-speaking groups of the island interiors showing the greatest diversity, and the Oceanic-speaking groups on the coastlines the least.Less
This chapter reports the mitochondrial DNA diversity in the Southwest Pacific, focusing on the extensive structure of this variation in Northern Island Melanesia. It shows that a constellation of mitochondrial variants in Northern Island Melanesia is particularly old and not found beyond the Wallace Line to the west. These variants must have developed subsequent to initial settlement some 40,000-50,000 years ago. The evidence also suggests a subsequent series of expansions into the region from the west, through the Upper Pleistocene and into the Holocene. The most recent involve haplogroup E and the so-called “Polynesian Motif” (haplogroup B4a1a1). This “Motif” clearly in Near Oceania forms a haplogroup that was introduced from Island Southeast Asia, and is closely associated with the Lapita phenomenon. There are some problems with the distribution of the “Motif” in Island Melanesia that require explanation. Overall, the mitochondrial DNA diversity is organized on a clear island-by-island basis, with the Papuan-speaking groups of the island interiors showing the greatest diversity, and the Oceanic-speaking groups on the coastlines the least.
Paul F. Lurquin and Linda Stone
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195315387
- eISBN:
- 9780199785674
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195315387.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
The notions of natural selection and drift also apply to humans and their biological and cultural evolution. The science of paleoanthropology explains human evolution through the study of ...
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The notions of natural selection and drift also apply to humans and their biological and cultural evolution. The science of paleoanthropology explains human evolution through the study of intermediate fossil forms. In addition, geneticists have been able to retrace, through the study of mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome DNA, the origin and migrations of prehistoric humans. The understanding of human cultural evolution has greatly benefited from the application of evolutionary thinking.Less
The notions of natural selection and drift also apply to humans and their biological and cultural evolution. The science of paleoanthropology explains human evolution through the study of intermediate fossil forms. In addition, geneticists have been able to retrace, through the study of mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome DNA, the origin and migrations of prehistoric humans. The understanding of human cultural evolution has greatly benefited from the application of evolutionary thinking.
Rebecca L. Cann
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198523901
- eISBN:
- 9780191689048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198523901.003.0008
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) studies of modern human populations have made unique contributions to the understanding of human evolution due to two important features of this gene: their lack of ...
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Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) studies of modern human populations have made unique contributions to the understanding of human evolution due to two important features of this gene: their lack of recombination and their rate of mutation. This chapter first examines how rapid evolution and maternal transmission affect phylogenic reconstruction. A human female passes on her mitochondrial genes whereas a human male does not. Since females are almost always sure of maternity, mtDNA is preferred for tracing genealogies in many populations with different cultural norms for mate choice and long-term pair bonds. Mitochondrial DNA is a very sensitive indicator of population history. This chapter presents two reasons that reduce mitochondrial variability compared to other species: genetic bottle-necks and lineage sorting. The human mtDNA tree is also presented. The study has encountered several criticisms in the past. However, these criticisms are answered in this chapter.Less
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) studies of modern human populations have made unique contributions to the understanding of human evolution due to two important features of this gene: their lack of recombination and their rate of mutation. This chapter first examines how rapid evolution and maternal transmission affect phylogenic reconstruction. A human female passes on her mitochondrial genes whereas a human male does not. Since females are almost always sure of maternity, mtDNA is preferred for tracing genealogies in many populations with different cultural norms for mate choice and long-term pair bonds. Mitochondrial DNA is a very sensitive indicator of population history. This chapter presents two reasons that reduce mitochondrial variability compared to other species: genetic bottle-necks and lineage sorting. The human mtDNA tree is also presented. The study has encountered several criticisms in the past. However, these criticisms are answered in this chapter.
Anna Szécsényi-Nagy, Victoria Keerl, János Jakucs, Guido Brandt, Eszter Bánffy, and Kurt W. Alt
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780197265758
- eISBN:
- 9780191771965
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197265758.003.0005
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology
Two sixth millennium cal BC cultural formations from the Carpathian Basin are discussed: the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) in Transdanubia, and the Szakálhát culture from the Great Hungarian Plain. Our aim ...
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Two sixth millennium cal BC cultural formations from the Carpathian Basin are discussed: the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) in Transdanubia, and the Szakálhát culture from the Great Hungarian Plain. Our aim was to address genetic connections between these cultural units and how they were related to the populations of the central European Neolithic. Mitochondrial data from 33 specimens from the Szakálhát culture were compared with 39 samples from the LBK and analysed in the light of previously published ancient DNA studies. The maternal gene pool of the LBK in Transdanubia and the Szakálhát culture are highly similar to each other. Furthermore, both groups show a remarkable affinity to the LBK and the subsequent fifth–fourth millennia cal BC cultures in central Europe. On the other hand, these Neolithic cultural formations can be clearly distinguished from Mesolithic pan-European hunter-gatherer data as well as from published Iberian Neolithic and central European Late Neolithic cultures.Less
Two sixth millennium cal BC cultural formations from the Carpathian Basin are discussed: the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) in Transdanubia, and the Szakálhát culture from the Great Hungarian Plain. Our aim was to address genetic connections between these cultural units and how they were related to the populations of the central European Neolithic. Mitochondrial data from 33 specimens from the Szakálhát culture were compared with 39 samples from the LBK and analysed in the light of previously published ancient DNA studies. The maternal gene pool of the LBK in Transdanubia and the Szakálhát culture are highly similar to each other. Furthermore, both groups show a remarkable affinity to the LBK and the subsequent fifth–fourth millennia cal BC cultures in central Europe. On the other hand, these Neolithic cultural formations can be clearly distinguished from Mesolithic pan-European hunter-gatherer data as well as from published Iberian Neolithic and central European Late Neolithic cultures.
Nancy N. FitzSimmons and Joanna Sumner
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- June 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198726135
- eISBN:
- 9780191825934
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198726135.003.0025
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology, Animal Biology
This chapter discusses the importance of genetics in questions of ecology and conservation, as genetic analyses have provided tremendous insights into the behaviour of reptiles, their evolution, and ...
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This chapter discusses the importance of genetics in questions of ecology and conservation, as genetic analyses have provided tremendous insights into the behaviour of reptiles, their evolution, and the history and dynamics of populations. To that end, the chapter discusses the functions and limitations of certain genetic markers: allozymes and restriction fragment length polymorphisms, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, nuclear gene sequencing (NGS), nuclear microsatellites, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), and whole genome research. Additionally, this chapter offers some pointers on sampling and labwork, such as the design and considerations for sampling; the process of collection, storage, and preservation; curating; and the subsequent data analysis and management.Less
This chapter discusses the importance of genetics in questions of ecology and conservation, as genetic analyses have provided tremendous insights into the behaviour of reptiles, their evolution, and the history and dynamics of populations. To that end, the chapter discusses the functions and limitations of certain genetic markers: allozymes and restriction fragment length polymorphisms, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, nuclear gene sequencing (NGS), nuclear microsatellites, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), and whole genome research. Additionally, this chapter offers some pointers on sampling and labwork, such as the design and considerations for sampling; the process of collection, storage, and preservation; curating; and the subsequent data analysis and management.
Jason A. Wilder and Michael F. Hammer
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195300307
- eISBN:
- 9780199790142
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195300307.003.0013
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter examines with four unlinked loci the extent of divergence between two linguistically related Baining groups in New Britain. Although they are linguistically related and are less than 100 ...
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This chapter examines with four unlinked loci the extent of divergence between two linguistically related Baining groups in New Britain. Although they are linguistically related and are less than 100 km apart, they are, by a number of measures, surprisingly different genetically. This difference is explained in terms of male and female demographic distinctions. Early comparisons in global and regional mtDNA and NRY diversity indicate comparatively greater overall mtDNA variability, but greater among-group NRY variation. The chapter suggests that the key factor is the larger effective population size of women (since relatively few men contribute to following generations). This distinction could cause an acceleration in the effects of genetic drift, leading to less overall variation, but proportionately more among-group variation. In the Baining study, evidence is found for a much smaller male effective population size. However, the proportion of males who migrate and successfully reproduce appears to be greater than for females. In considering the surprising degree of overall differentiation between these two Baining groups, the effects of drift are paramount, but there remains the question of whether the differences may be due to the residue of ancient lineage sorting.Less
This chapter examines with four unlinked loci the extent of divergence between two linguistically related Baining groups in New Britain. Although they are linguistically related and are less than 100 km apart, they are, by a number of measures, surprisingly different genetically. This difference is explained in terms of male and female demographic distinctions. Early comparisons in global and regional mtDNA and NRY diversity indicate comparatively greater overall mtDNA variability, but greater among-group NRY variation. The chapter suggests that the key factor is the larger effective population size of women (since relatively few men contribute to following generations). This distinction could cause an acceleration in the effects of genetic drift, leading to less overall variation, but proportionately more among-group variation. In the Baining study, evidence is found for a much smaller male effective population size. However, the proportion of males who migrate and successfully reproduce appears to be greater than for females. In considering the surprising degree of overall differentiation between these two Baining groups, the effects of drift are paramount, but there remains the question of whether the differences may be due to the residue of ancient lineage sorting.
Troy Duster
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231156974
- eISBN:
- 9780231527699
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231156974.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Race and Ethnicity
This chapter explores the increasing direct consumer use of DNA tests for ancestry tracing as well as its capacities and limits. It also examines the use of Ancestral Informative Markers (AIMs) as a ...
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This chapter explores the increasing direct consumer use of DNA tests for ancestry tracing as well as its capacities and limits. It also examines the use of Ancestral Informative Markers (AIMs) as a new method in determining ancestry. Fundamentally, DNA testing is capable of tracing a person's biological ancestry. However, in order to determine a person's “real” biological lineage, there needs to be a clear distinction between the direct biological ancestors. Many issues emerge as a result of the limitations in tracing the Y chromosome of a male and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of a female. Unlike the traditional method, the use of AIMs seems likely to be more accurate as it examines a group's relative share of genetic markers found on the autosomes—the nongender chromosomes inherited from both parents. Taken together, these markers appear to yield sufficiently distinctive patters in tested populations.Less
This chapter explores the increasing direct consumer use of DNA tests for ancestry tracing as well as its capacities and limits. It also examines the use of Ancestral Informative Markers (AIMs) as a new method in determining ancestry. Fundamentally, DNA testing is capable of tracing a person's biological ancestry. However, in order to determine a person's “real” biological lineage, there needs to be a clear distinction between the direct biological ancestors. Many issues emerge as a result of the limitations in tracing the Y chromosome of a male and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of a female. Unlike the traditional method, the use of AIMs seems likely to be more accurate as it examines a group's relative share of genetic markers found on the autosomes—the nongender chromosomes inherited from both parents. Taken together, these markers appear to yield sufficiently distinctive patters in tested populations.
Richard Boles and Kathryn Moseley
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- April 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780199398911
- eISBN:
- 9780199398942
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199398911.003.0047
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
This chapter discusses mitochondrial disorders, including factors to be considered in nutritional evaluation and dietary management.
This chapter discusses mitochondrial disorders, including factors to be considered in nutritional evaluation and dietary management.
Guido Brandt, Corina Knipper, Nicole Nicklisch, Robert Ganslmeier, Mechthild Klamm, and Kurt W. Alt
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780197265758
- eISBN:
- 9780191771965
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197265758.003.0006
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology
The Linearbandkeramik (LBK) settlement of Karsdorf (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany) revealed twenty-four longhouses and thirty-four associated burials. They were investigated in an interdisciplinary study ...
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The Linearbandkeramik (LBK) settlement of Karsdorf (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany) revealed twenty-four longhouses and thirty-four associated burials. They were investigated in an interdisciplinary study focusing primarily on biological relationships and mobility within the community. Males, females, and subadults were buried individually or in groups in pits accompanying longhouses suggesting family relationships. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), however, revealed only few biological relations among them. The rare potential relatives were found in different houses, indicating very low continuity of maternal lineages. Strontium isotope ratios of human tooth enamel point to differentiated land-use patterns or interaction of the Karsdorf community in the Unstrut river valley with people from settlements in typical loess locations. Representatives of both isotope ranges distinguished occur among all burial groups. The integrated interpretation of all data suggests exchange of people within consolidated networks of LBK neighbouring communities.Less
The Linearbandkeramik (LBK) settlement of Karsdorf (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany) revealed twenty-four longhouses and thirty-four associated burials. They were investigated in an interdisciplinary study focusing primarily on biological relationships and mobility within the community. Males, females, and subadults were buried individually or in groups in pits accompanying longhouses suggesting family relationships. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), however, revealed only few biological relations among them. The rare potential relatives were found in different houses, indicating very low continuity of maternal lineages. Strontium isotope ratios of human tooth enamel point to differentiated land-use patterns or interaction of the Karsdorf community in the Unstrut river valley with people from settlements in typical loess locations. Representatives of both isotope ranges distinguished occur among all burial groups. The integrated interpretation of all data suggests exchange of people within consolidated networks of LBK neighbouring communities.
Hans Kruuk
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198565871
- eISBN:
- 9780191728228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198565871.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Animal Biology
This chapter describes otter phylogeny, including the latest analyses of mitochondrial DNA. They are Mustelids, originating some 11-14 million years ago in the Miocene in south-east Asia, main ...
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This chapter describes otter phylogeny, including the latest analyses of mitochondrial DNA. They are Mustelids, originating some 11-14 million years ago in the Miocene in south-east Asia, main branches being Lutra and Lontra. A rapid species divergence was followed by long-persisting genera. Some intra-specific variation is described. Central questions posed in this book address the relationship between resources and otter numbers, energetics relating to resource exploitation (with thermo-regulation in cold water), and social aspects of distribution in their habitat, mortality, and reproduction. Research methodology to study these questions is described, including individual recognition in the field, trapping, radio-tracking, and pitfalls when using indirect methods such as faecal analysis and distribution of scent-marks. Some study areas are described.Less
This chapter describes otter phylogeny, including the latest analyses of mitochondrial DNA. They are Mustelids, originating some 11-14 million years ago in the Miocene in south-east Asia, main branches being Lutra and Lontra. A rapid species divergence was followed by long-persisting genera. Some intra-specific variation is described. Central questions posed in this book address the relationship between resources and otter numbers, energetics relating to resource exploitation (with thermo-regulation in cold water), and social aspects of distribution in their habitat, mortality, and reproduction. Research methodology to study these questions is described, including individual recognition in the field, trapping, radio-tracking, and pitfalls when using indirect methods such as faecal analysis and distribution of scent-marks. Some study areas are described.
Guillermo D’Elia, Ulyses F. J. Pardiñas, and Philip Myers
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520098534
- eISBN:
- 9780520916098
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520098534.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This chapter considers the position of the genus Bibimys relative other sigmodontine rodents. It analyzes mitochondrial DNA sequences and provides evidence against the inclusion of Bibimys within the ...
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This chapter considers the position of the genus Bibimys relative other sigmodontine rodents. It analyzes mitochondrial DNA sequences and provides evidence against the inclusion of Bibimys within the Scapteromini. The chapter also questions the validity of the three species currently assigned to Bibimys and stresses the need for continued taxonomic, systematic, and phylogenetic analysis of Neotropical sigmodontine rodents.Less
This chapter considers the position of the genus Bibimys relative other sigmodontine rodents. It analyzes mitochondrial DNA sequences and provides evidence against the inclusion of Bibimys within the Scapteromini. The chapter also questions the validity of the three species currently assigned to Bibimys and stresses the need for continued taxonomic, systematic, and phylogenetic analysis of Neotropical sigmodontine rodents.
Márcia C. Lara, Lena Geise, and Christopher J. Schneider
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520098534
- eISBN:
- 9780520916098
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520098534.003.0010
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This chapter examines the phylogeographic patterns among rodents of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Based on comparative analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences from rodents, it suggests that the ...
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This chapter examines the phylogeographic patterns among rodents of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Based on comparative analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences from rodents, it suggests that the diversification of these taxa is not the result of shared environmental pressures, but instead, likely reflects the distinctive phylogeographic and environmental histories of each lineage. The evidence also provides some support to the Ecological Gradient Hypothesis in the distribution of sister species/clades in different habitats within mountain ranges.Less
This chapter examines the phylogeographic patterns among rodents of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Based on comparative analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences from rodents, it suggests that the diversification of these taxa is not the result of shared environmental pressures, but instead, likely reflects the distinctive phylogeographic and environmental histories of each lineage. The evidence also provides some support to the Ecological Gradient Hypothesis in the distribution of sister species/clades in different habitats within mountain ranges.
Sarah Elton and Jason Dunn
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199688203
- eISBN:
- 9780191767500
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199688203.003.0015
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The analytical framework of human population genetics has completed a cycle: the lineage-based description of mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome diversity, where often populations vanished, to be ...
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The analytical framework of human population genetics has completed a cycle: the lineage-based description of mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome diversity, where often populations vanished, to be replaced by marauding hordes of disembodied haplogroups, is giving way to the multivariant analysis of SNP allele frequencies, rehashing the toolkit pioneered by Cavalli-Sforza in the late 1980s. Now, however, population definition is left to Bayesian algorithms, creating a tension between the individual, the population as socially defined, and reified Bayesian population constructs. This chapter reviews recent literature on African population genetics. East Africa can be imagined as a source or sink of population movements. Some argue that Southern Africa is a serious candidate to be humankind’s cradle, though contrary evidence suggests that the Bantu expansion homogenized a vast swathe of Africa. The multifaceted nature of Pygmy populations is explored in relation to this, and the place of populations north of the Sahara.Less
The analytical framework of human population genetics has completed a cycle: the lineage-based description of mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome diversity, where often populations vanished, to be replaced by marauding hordes of disembodied haplogroups, is giving way to the multivariant analysis of SNP allele frequencies, rehashing the toolkit pioneered by Cavalli-Sforza in the late 1980s. Now, however, population definition is left to Bayesian algorithms, creating a tension between the individual, the population as socially defined, and reified Bayesian population constructs. This chapter reviews recent literature on African population genetics. East Africa can be imagined as a source or sink of population movements. Some argue that Southern Africa is a serious candidate to be humankind’s cradle, though contrary evidence suggests that the Bantu expansion homogenized a vast swathe of Africa. The multifaceted nature of Pygmy populations is explored in relation to this, and the place of populations north of the Sahara.
