Premium
Biological variability in a migrating isolate, the Tokelau Islands: Child growth in different environments
Author(s) -
Ramirez M. E.,
Brauer Gerhard W.,
Prior I. A. M.,
Ward R. H.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
american journal of human biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.559
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1520-6300
pISSN - 1042-0533
DOI - 10.1002/ajhb.1310030213
Subject(s) - anthropometry , demography , affect (linguistics) , geography , linear growth , biology , psychology , mathematics , archaeology , communication , sociology
The magnitude and rates of growth have been compared among two cross‐sectional samples of Tokelau children on the basis of 26 anthropometric dimensions. One of the samples consisted of children living on the Tokelau Islands. The migrant sample consisted of children of Tokelau descent who were living in New Zealand. The comparison between samples suggest significant differences in the rate of linear growth at the younger ages. However, most differences were not significant among 17 year olds. The results support the hypothesis that even when the original environment is favorable, qualitative changes in the environment may affect the general pattern of growth. The effects of an accelerated growth pattern cannot be determined at this time.