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Population relationships of Lapps as reflected by quantitative dermatoglyphics
R L Jantz1, A W Eriksson, H Brehme
1Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37996-0720.
Human Biology
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Finger and palm ridge counts reveal genetic divergence within Lapp populations, highlighting the roles of isolation and genetic drift. Lapps show affinities with Finnic speakers, supporting a European origin hypothesis.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Population Genetics
- Dermatoglyphics
Background:
- Understanding population genetics and historical relationships is crucial for human evolutionary studies.
- The Lapp populations (Sámi) have unique linguistic and genetic histories within Northern Europe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess genetic divergence and relationships among five Lapp samples.
- To investigate Lapp relationships with other Uralic-speaking populations.
- To evaluate the hypothesis of a European origin for the Lapps.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of finger and palm interdigital ridge counts.
- Application of multivariate minimum FST (fixation index) values to quantify genetic differentiation.
- Comparative analysis with other European and Uralic-speaking populations.
Main Results:
- Multivariate minimum FST values indicate significant genetic differentiation among Lapp populations (0.012), higher than many European groups.
- Skolt Lapps and Kola Peninsula Lapps exhibit greater similarity, distinct from Mountain and Fisher Lapps.
- Lapps demonstrate a clear affinity with Finnic speakers, differentiating them from Samoyedic speakers.
Conclusions:
- Isolation and genetic drift play significant roles in shaping Lapp population genetics.
- The dermatoglyphic data support a European origin for the Lapps.
- Specific Lapp subgroups show distinct genetic profiles within the broader Lapp and Uralic linguistic groups.