GENETIC AND CULTURAL-DIVERSITY IN EUROPE

The modern genetics of Europe can be conveniently described by means o f special statistical methods of analysis. A geographic analysis by pr incipal components is particularly useful in detecting hidden genetic patterns determined by ancient population expansions. The five statist ically most important patterns identified in Europe correspond with ar chaeologically, linguistically, or historically known demographic expa nsions. These expansions were mast probably determined by known techno logical innovations (in order of importance, the first four are the de velopment of agriculture and animal breeding in the Middle East, adapt ations to northern conditions in the Ural region, pastoral nomadism li nked with domestication of the horse in the steppe, and nautical devel opments favoring Mediterranean trade and colonizations). The remote or igins of Europeans from neighboring populations and the replacement of Neandertals, the effect of geographic distance on genetic distance, t he major isolates, and the nature and meaning of existing genetic boun daries are also briefly discussed. The pattern of cultural differentia tion including linguistics, shows similarities with the genetic one, b ecause the mechanisms of transmission are at least in part similar. Ho wever recent changes in the patterns of communication and cultural tra nsmission are causing profound changes which tend to destroy this simi larity. The linguistic picture of Europe, its relations with genetics and history, and in general with cultural diversity are summarized. Ap art from it, European cultural diversity is unfortunately not well stu died although it is clear to living observers. There is considerable h istorical knowledge, including the pattern of communication routes thr ough the centuries, which is of major help for the study of cultural t ransmission and evolution. But the very rapid pace of cultural change in modern Europe implies that much knowledge, currently entrusted to t he memory of living people, will soon disappear. The need to collect t his information and make a available for present and future study seem s a highly desirable scope for research in European countries. Apart f rom China, which has had a very different history, Europe is unique in the depth and extension of diachronic knowledge available, and useful , for the study of cultural and genetic coevolution.