The Evolution and Genetics of Latin American Populations

by Francisco M. Salzano, Maria C. Bortolini

Overview

The human genetic make-up of Latin America is a reflection of successive waves of colonization and immigration. There have been few works dealing with the biology of human populations at a continental scale, and while much data is available on the genetics of Latin American populations, most information remains scattered throughout the literature. This volume examines 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521022392
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/10/2005
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology , #28
Pages:	532
Product dimensions:	6.06(w) x 9.02(h) x 1.22(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of 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.

Editorial Reviews

Salzano and Bortolini (both professors of genetics, Federal U. of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) present a work of physical anthropology that attempts to integrate questions of origin, environment, history, demography, morphology, nutrition, health, and genetics into a general study of the evolution of Latin American populations as a whole. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"The volume is a data-rich source...information is evenly presented, very thoroughly researched, and will be of interest to Latin American human population genetic and biology researchers, especially anthropological geneticists." Quarterly Review of Biology

"Exceptionally detailed.... I would recommend it." American Journal of Human Biology

From the Publisher