The Colonization of the Pacific A Genetic Trail

by Hill, Adrian V. S.; Serjeantson, Susan W.

• ISBN13: 9780198576952
• ISBN10: 0198576951
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1989-11-16
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

The origins of Pacific Islanders have been the subject of wild speculation, bitter controversy, and more recently of extensive research in many disciplines. Modern reconstructions have been based mainly on archaeological and linguistic evidence, but recent advances in human genetics areproducing new insights into the origin, immigration routes, and affinities of Pacific populations. In particular, the recent application of recombinant DNA technology has revealed enormous numbers of new genetic markers that are proving very informative. Presenting this data in a form accessible toworkers in all disciplines who are concerned with Pacific prehistory, this study provides an overview of research from related, non-genetic fields, and discusses in detail the relevant genetic evidence. The result is a balanced, insightful review of the contribution that the 'new genetics' is makingto this investigation.

Table of Contents

The Colonization of the Pacific: Some Current Hypotheses

Population Genetic Studies in the Pacific: Red Cell Antigen, Serum Protein, and Enzyme Systems

HLA Genes and Antigens

Genetic Variants of the Serum Complement Compounds

Immunoglobulin Allotypes

Mitochondrial DNA

Haemoglobin and Globin Gene Variants in the Pacific

The Colonization of the Pacific: The Genetic Evidence

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