Distribution of Mitochondrial DNA Lineages Among Native American Tribes of Northeastern North America

Document Type

Article

Authors

Ripan S. Malhi, University of California, Davis, CA
Beth A. Schultz, University of California, Davis, CA
David G. Smith, California Regional Primate Center (CRPC), University of California, Davis, CA.

Abstract

The mtDNA haplogroups of 185 individuals from Native American tribes in Northeast North America were determined. A subset of these individuals was analyzed by sequencing hypervariable segments I and IT of the control region. The haplogroup frequency distributions of populations in the Northeast exhibit regional continuity that predates European contact. A large amount of gene flow has occurred between Siouanand Algonquian-speaking groups, probably due to an Algonquian intrusion into the Northeast. The data also support both the Macro-Siouan hypothesis and a relatively recent intrusion of North em Iroquoians into the Northeast. These conclusions are consistent with archaeological and linguistic evidence.

Recommended Citation

Malhi, Ripan S.; Schultz, Beth A.; and Smith, David G. (2001) "Distribution of Mitochondrial DNA Lineages Among Native American Tribes of Northeastern North America," Human Biology: Vol. 73: Iss. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol73/iss1/2