Genetic relationships between Amerindian populations of Argentina

Abstract

A total of 495 individuals from five different Argentinian tribes was examined for variation in 23 blood group and protein genetic systems, and the results were integrated with previous data on some of these systems. These tribes generally present RH * R1, PGM1 * 1, and ACP * A frequencies lower and RH * R2, ESD * 1, and GLO * 1 prevalences higher than those observed in other South American Indian groups. Earlier studies with mitochondrial DNA showed that haplogroup A was present in low frequencies in these tribes, but haplogroup B showed a high prevalence among the Mataco. Average heterozygosities are very similar in the five tribes, while estimates of non-Indian ancestry are generally low. Both the blood group and protein, as well as the mtDNA data sets, divide the five tribes into two groups, and the relationships obtained with the blood group and protein systems are exactly those expected on the basis of geography and language. However, the topology obtained with the mtDNA results was different, possibly due to sampling effects or diverse patterns of exchange between the groups related to sex.

Genetic variability in Amerindian populations of Northern Argentina

“…Recently, data on 23 genetic markers, such as blood groups, enzymes and serum proteins, obtained from the Toba, Wichi and Chorote populations inhabiting the North Argentine Gran Chaco Region, were compared with the Mapuche and Tehuelche native Argentine groups (Goicoechea et al, 2001). In this report, similar heterozygosis values were observed in the five groups.…”

“…The groups investigated in this study were previously described by Goicoechea et al (2001). Chorote, Wichi and Toba populations live near to the village of Santa Victoria Este, Department of Rivadavia, Salta Province, located in the Gran Chaco Region, in northern Argentina.…”

“…The Chorote are thought to have arrived from the Amazon basin, their subsistence is based on hunting, gathering, fishing and a rudimentary agriculture (Goicoechea et al, 2001). In 1984, there were 915 individuals, representing 5% of the aboriginal population of the Salta Province.…”

“…Our samples were obtained mainly in the villages of La Merced and La Gracia. The Wichi, as they call themselves, have a similar economy of subsistence and are much more numerous, their population amounting to about 20,000 in 1986 (Goicoechea et al, 2001). Samples were obtained in the villages of La Paz, La Vertiente, Pozo de Tigre and San Luis.…”

“…They adopted the horse in the 18 th century, and have intensively interacted with all other Indian populations of the region (for further details, see Goicoechea et al, 2001). Many of them have migrated to the peripheral zones of large cities like Salta, Rosario and Buenos Aires.…”