Phylogeographic patterns of mtDNA reflecting the colonization of the Canary Islands

Citation
Jc. Rando et al., Phylogeographic patterns of mtDNA reflecting the colonization of the Canary Islands, ANN HUM GEN, 63, 1999, pp. 413-428
Citations number
45
Categorie Soggetti
Molecular Biology & Genetics
Journal title
ANNALS OF HUMAN GENETICS
ISSN journal
00034800 → ACNP
Volume
63
Year of publication
1999
Part
5
Pages
413 - 428
Database
ISI
SICI code
0003-4800(199909)63:<413:PPOMRT>2.0.ZU;2-I
Abstract
Although the Canary Islands were settled by humans, possibly of Berber orig in, as late as 2500 years ago, the precise course and numbers of early migr ations to the archipelago remain controversial. We have therefore analysed mtDNA variation (HVS-I as well as selected RFLP sites) in 300 individuals f rom the seven Canary Islands. The distribution and variation across the isl ands in a specific mtDNA clade of Northwest African ancestry suggest that t here was one dominant initial settlement process that affected all the isla nds, from east to west. This indicates that a certain genetic affinity of p resent-day Canary Islanders to Northwest African Berbers mainly stems from the autochthonous population rather than slaves captured on the neighbourin g African coast. The slave trade after the European conquest left measurabl e, though minor, traces in the mtDNA pool of the Canary Islands, which in i ts majority testifies to the European immigration.