ANCIENT DNA ANALYSIS OF FREMONT AMERINDIANS OF THE GREAT-SALT-LAKE WETLANDS

Skeletal remains of 47 individuals from the Great Salt Lake Wetlands, affiliated principally with Bear River (A.D. 400-1000) and Levee Phase (A.D. 1000-1350) Fremont cultural elements, were assessed for four mi tochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers that, in particular association, defin e four haplogroups (A, B, C, and D) widely shared among contemporary A merindian groups. The most striking result is the absence of haplogrou p A in this Fremont series, despite its predominance in contemporary A merindian groups. Additionally, haplogroup B, defined by the presence of a 9bp deletion in region V, is present at the moderately high frequ ency of 60%. Haplogroups C and D are present at low frequencies. An ad ditional haplotype, ''N,'' observed in some modern populations and two other prehistoric samples, is also present in this Fremont skeletal c ollection. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.