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Papago Indian admixture and mating patterns in a mining town: a genetic cauldron
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Analyzing mobile populations is challenging. This study suggests focusing on in-migration, admixture, and dispersal processes to understand population genetics in unstable communities like the Papago Indian community.
Area of Science:
- Population genetics
- Human population dynamics
- Anthropological genetics
Background:
- Traditional genetic models struggle with populations exhibiting high mobility and low stability.
- Delineating stable population units is difficult for dynamic communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose alternative analytical procedures for populations with high mobility and low stability.
- To examine in-migration, admixture, and dispersal in the Papago Indian community of Ajo, Arizona.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of in-migration, admixture, and dispersal rates.
- Examination of mate selection factors and changing population boundaries.
- Case study of the Papago Indian community in Ajo, Arizona.
Main Results:
- The Papago community in Ajo shows high instability with significant in-migration (72.3%), dispersal (20.6%), and admixture (36.7%).
- The community cannot be defined as a distinct population unit due to its dynamic nature.
- Ajo acts as a mixing center, with a notable increase in mixed Papagos among out-migrants.
Conclusions:
- Standard population genetic models are inadequate for highly mobile and unstable populations.
- Processes like in-migration, admixture, and dispersal are crucial for understanding genetic dynamics in such communities.
- Mate selection plays a role in the observed admixture patterns within the Papago community.