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Published on: September 3, 2009
Reduced diversity in human mitogenomes from Eivissa (Balearic Islands)
Laura Clara Verdesca1, Julen Aizpurua-Iraola1,2, Elisa Marí-Cardona2
1Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-UPF), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
Frontiers in Genetics
|July 9, 2026
Summary
Genomic diversity in Eivissa shows a reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype diversity, similar to other islands, despite a unique Sub-Saharan lineage. This suggests a founder effect on Eivissa, contrasting with Menorca.
Area of Science:
- Population genetics
- Human evolution
- Island biogeography
Background:
- The Balearic Islands possess a rich history, with previous studies indicating reduced genomic diversity and founder effects in Eivissa compared to mainland populations and Menorca.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis offers valuable insights into maternal lineage phylogeography and population history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patterns of mitochondrial DNA diversity in Eivissa and Menorca.
- To identify the origins of maternal lineages in both Balearic Islands.
- To compare mitogenomic diversity between Eivissa, Menorca, and mainland populations.
Main Methods:
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing and analysis.
- Phylogeographic reconstruction of maternal lineages.
- Comparison of genetic diversity metrics (haplotype diversity, number of segregating sites, nucleotide diversity).
- Ancient DNA comparison.
Main Results:
- Eivissa exhibits reduced mtDNA haplotype diversity compared to Menorca and mainland populations, aligning with patterns observed in other island archipelagos.
- Despite reduced haplotype diversity, other diversity measures in Eivissa were not significantly lower, likely due to the presence of a deeply divergent L2c haplogroup of Sub-Saharan origin.
- The L2c haplogroup's estimated time to the most recent common ancestor suggests introduction during the Punic colonization of Eivissa.
- No sequence matches were found between modern samples and ancient DNA, precluding continuity assessment before the 13th-century conquest.
Conclusions:
- Eivissa's maternal genetic landscape shows evidence of a founder effect, distinct from Menorca's more open historical trajectory.
- The presence of a Sub-Saharan mtDNA lineage in Eivissa highlights complex historical population movements, including potential Punic era introductions.
- The study underscores the utility of mtDNA in revealing island population dynamics and historical connections.
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