The Evolution and Genetics of Latin American Populations

About this book

The human genetic make-up of Latin America is a reflection of successive waves of colonization and immigration. To date there have been few works dealing with the biology of human populations at a continental scale, and while much information is available on the genetics of Latin American populations, most data remain scattered throughout the literature. This volume examines for the first time Latin American human populations in relation to their origins, environment, history, demography and genetics, drawing on aspects of nutrition, physiology and morphology for an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. The result is a fascinating account of a people characterized by a turbulent history, marked heterogeneity and unique genetic traits. Of interest to students and researchers of genetics, evolution, biological anthropology and the social sciences, this book will also appeal to anyone concerned with the multifaceted evolution of our species and constitutes an important volume not only for anthropological genetics, but also for Latin American research.

Contents

Preface; 1. Origins; 2. Environment and history; 3. Socioeconomic indices, demography, and population structure; 4. Ecology, nutrition, and physiological adaptation; 5. Morphology; 6. Health and disease; 7. Haemoglobin types and haemoglobinopathies; 8. Normal genetic variation at the protein, glycoconjugate, and DNA levels; 9. Gene dynamics; 10. Synthesis.

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Biography

Francisco M. Salzano is Emeritus Professor of Genetics at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and is one of the most eminent geneticists in Latin America working in the field of anthropology. While his main scientific interest is in human population genetics, his research also covers medical, animal and plant genetics. He has previously published a number of influential works in both English and Portuguese and has received several awards including the Almirante Alvaro Alberto National Prize and the Franz Boas High Achievement Award of the Human Biology Association. Maria C. Bortolini is Associate Professor in the Genetics Department of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Her research focuses on the genetic variability, at both protein and DNA levels, of African-derived and Amerindian populations of South America.