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Genetic variation in North Amerindian populations: Covariance with climate
Author(s) -
O'Rourke Dennis H.,
Suarez Brian K.,
Crouse Jill D.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
american journal of physical anthropology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1096-8644
pISSN - 0002-9483
DOI - 10.1002/ajpa.1330670309
Subject(s) - variation (astronomy) , covariance , genetic variation , climate variation , geography , evolutionary biology , climate change , biology , ecology , statistics , genetics , mathematics , physics , astrophysics , gene
Allelic frequencies at seven polymorphic loci in 74 North Amerindian populations are examined relative to patterns of climatic variation. Canonical correlation analysis reveals strong and significant associations of heterozygosity at the ABO, Ss, Duffy, and P loci with climatic variability. Principal component analysis demonstrates that these loci tend to form correlated ensembles. Moreover, canonical correlation analysis of component scores provides support for an association between polymorphism at these loci and environmental variability. The results are concordant with two previous investigations which suggested a relationship between polymorphism for the ABO, Duffy, and Diego systems and climate. It is suggested that the examination of broad geographic patterns of genetic variation at multiple loci is a valuable, but underutilized, method of screening for the effects of long‐term systematic pressures.