Anthropological Genetics Theory, Methods, and Applications

About this book

Anthropological genetics is a field that has been in existence since the 1960s and has been growing within medical schools and academic departments, such as anthropology and human biology, ever since. With the recent developments in DNA and computer technologies, the field of anthropological genetics has been redefined.

Anthropological Genetics: Theory, Methods, and Applications deals with the molecular revolution and how DNA markers can provide insight into the processes of evolution, the mapping of genes for complex phenotypes and the reconstruction of the human diaspora. In addition to this, there are explanations of the technological developments and how they affect the fields of forensic anthropology and population studies, alongside the methods of field investigations and their contribution to anthropological genetics. Anthropological Genetics: Theory, Methods, and Applications brings together leading figures from the field to provide an up-to-date introduction to anthropological genetics, aimed at advanced undergraduates to professionals, in genetics, biology, medicine and anthropology.

Contents

Preface

1. Foundations of anthropological genetics M. H. Crawford

Part I. Theory:
2. Partitioning of genetic variation in human populations and the concept of race Lorena Madrigal and Guido Barbujani
3. Natural experiments in human gene mapping: the intersection of anthropological genetics and genetic epidemiology Joe Terwilliger and Joe Lee

Part II. Methods:
4. Importance of field research in anthropological genetics: methods, experiences and results M. H. Crawford
5. The confluence of anthropological genetics and anthropological demography James H. Mielke and Alan Fix
6. Molecular markers in anthropological genetics studies Rohina Rubicz, Phil Melton and M. H. Crawford
7. The use of quantitative traits in anthropological genetic studies of population structure and history John Relethford
8. Ancient DNA and its application to the reconstruction of human evolution and history Dennis O'Rourke

Part III. Applications of Anthropological Genetics: General Applications:
9. Applications of molecular genetics to forensic sciences Moses Schanfield
10. Emerging technologies: the bright future of fluorescence Ric Devor
11. Mapping genes influencing human quantitative trait variation John Blangero, Jeff T. Williams, Laura Almasy and Sarah Williams-Blangero

Part IV. The Human Diaspora:
12. Human origins within and out of Africa Sarah A. Tishkoff and Mary Katherine Gonder
13. The peopling of Europe Barbara Arredi, Estella S. Poloni and Chris Tyler-Smith
14. Peopling of Oceania Elizabeth Matisoo Smith
15. The prehistoric colonization of the Americas Francisco Salzano

Part V. Conclusion:
16. Anthropological genetics: present and future Henry Harpending.

Customer Reviews

Biography

Michael H. Crawford is Professor of Anthropology and Genetics at the University of Kansas, USA.