Microevolution in lower Central America: genetic characterization of the Chibcha-speaking groups of Costa Rica and Panama, and a consensus taxonomy based on genetic and linguistic affinity.

摘要: There is evidence that Amerindians have continuously occupied the lower Central American Isthmus for as long 10,000 years. remains some doubt about relationships of these original colonizers to resident peoples this zone at time European contact (approximately A.D. 1500). We present new genetic data up 48 loci 570 members six Chibcha-speaking tribes America--the Boruca, Bribri, Cabecar, and Guatuso Costa Rica Kuna Teribe Panama--and delineate affinities among various groups (these Guaymi Bokota) America. convert standard distance metrics into a form linear with effective since divergence, we compare distances linguistic same (r = .74, P less than .001). Geographic affinity accounts divergence .49, .084) .53, .037), but correspondence between geographic position taxonomic not high. combine all construct synthetic overview taxonomy Chibcha. Both exhibit hierarchical organization tribal groups, showing general east-to-west pattern grouping, greater close neighbors. The presence private variants antiquity within region their absence outside zone, coupled essential DI*A polymorphism mongoloid origin widespread argue relatively isolated development Our results do support old view America frontier more advanced cultures north south. Any such explanation would require recent waves migration from region, compatible either or archaeological history region.