Isolation by distance in Middle Dalmatia-Yugoslavia

Area of Science:

• Anthropology
• Population Genetics
• Linguistics

Background:

• Isolation-by-distance models are crucial for understanding population structure.
• Malécot's model specifically analyzes genetic structure in relation to geographical distance.
• Previous studies have explored these models globally, but regional comparisons are vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate Malécot's isolation-by-distance model parameters for biological and linguistic distances.
• To compare the model's fit between biological traits and linguistic/migrational kinship.
• To investigate population differences on Korcula and Peljesac peninsula in Middle Dalmatia, Croatia.

Main Methods:

• Estimation of Malécot's model parameters using anthropometric, morphometric, dermatoglyphic, and cardiorespiratory data.
• Analysis of linguistic distances and migrational kinship.
• Comparison of model fit across different data types and between the two study regions.

Main Results:

• The model showed a highly significant fit for migrational kinship and linguistic distances.
• The model's fit was less significant for biological traits (anthropometric, morphometric, dermatoglyphic, physiological).
• Significant differences were observed between the Korcula and Peljesac populations despite similar ecological conditions.

Conclusions:

• Migrational kinship and linguistic data provide a better fit to isolation-by-distance models than biological traits in this context.
• Population differentiation is influenced by variations in biological and sociocultural history.
• The study underscores the importance of historical factors in shaping genetic and linguistic landscapes.