Logo image
Back
Physical anthropology and ethnicity in Asia: The transition from anthropometry to genome-based studies
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Physical anthropology and ethnicity in Asia: The transition from anthropometry to genome-based studies

A.H. Bittles, M.L. Black and W. Wang
Journal of Physiological Anthropology, Vol.26(2), pp.77-82
2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2114/jpa2.26.77
pdf
physical_anthropology_and_ethnicity_in_asia.pdfDownloadView
Published (Version of Record) Open Access
url
Link to Published Version *Subscription may be requiredView

Abstract

Initial physical anthropology studies into ethnic diversity were largely dependent on comparative whole body and craniometric measurements, and through time assessments of ethnic diversity based on these measures exhibited increasing statistical sophistication. Since the 1990s, in Asia as elsewhere in the world, human diversity studies have increasingly utilized DNA-based analyses, with Y-chromosome and mtDNA markers providing complementary perspectives on the origins and gene pool structures of different ethnic groups. This approach is illustrated in a study of population genetic structure in PR China, in which DNA samples from the Han majority and eight ethnic minorities were analyzed. The Y-chromosome and mtDNA data showed multiple paternal geographical and ethnic origins but restricted maternal ancestries. However, interpretive problems were apparent in the definition of a number of the ethnic study populations, which appear to reflect political as well as genetic influences. In all anthropological studies, whether based on anthropometry or genomic analysis, unambiguous and appropriate community identification is a prerequisite.

Details

Metrics

612 File views/ downloads
105 Record Views
Logo image