Genetic Ancestry and Population Structure Across Ecuador

Area of Science:

• Population Genetics
• Human Ancestry
• Genomic Studies

Background:

• Ecuador's diverse population results from Native American, European, and African interactions.
• Existing genetic ancestry studies in Ecuador are fragmented and inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize genetic ancestry and population structure studies in Ecuador.
• To critically appraise the existing body of evidence on Ecuadorian population genetics.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
• Searches across major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, Google Scholar).
• Qualitative synthesis of 12 included studies using diverse genetic markers.

Main Results:

• Consistent evidence of three-way admixture (Native American, European, African) across Ecuadorian populations.
• Significant regional and population-specific heterogeneity in ancestry proportions.
• Evidence of sex-biased admixture, with distinct maternal and paternal lineage patterns.

Conclusions:

• Ecuadorian populations exhibit a common three-way admixture pattern with substantial internal variation.
• Geographic and demographic context is crucial for interpreting genetic ancestry.
• Need for standardized, large-scale genomic studies in Ecuador.