Anthropobiology of the Andine populations
Quilici, J.C.
Pathologie-Biologie 25(10): 681-683
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0369-8114 PMID: 349483 Document Number: 115292
The anthropological and biological characteristics of high altitude populations are of particular interest as models of human genetic adaptation. The Andean population, believed to have come from Asia across the land bridge from Siberia to Alaska, was studied, and a review of information is presented. Reduced blood type polymorphism was noted as was an antigen, the Diego factor, which is found only in American Indian and Asian populations. The polymorphic differences noted suggest 2 different genetic stocks from 2 different population waves. The physiology, respiratory physiopathology, lung capacity, blood gas composition, erythrocyte enzymes and energy metabolism of Andean populations were compared to those of sea-level populations. Further studies to understand genetic adaptation and to solve health problems of the population are advocated.