Increased heterozygosity and child growth in an isolated subsistence agricultural community in the valley of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Gene flow and rate of inbreeding (delta F) were calculated from demographic data for a community previously reported to be isolated from outside genetic influences of immigration. Significant child growth differences caused by gene flow among children born to native parents (n = 287) and offspring of native-immigrant matings (n = 38) were found in fatness (triceps skinfold), body proportions (sitting height ratio), and size (leg length). No differences were found between the two groups in height, weight, sitting height, and arm circumference. Variation in absolute and relative leg length in this population parallels previously reported differences in adult body size and proportion associated with increased heterozygosity caused by gene flow in other populations in southern Mexico.
Little
B B
BB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwestern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Dallas 75235.
Malina
R M
RM
Buschang
P H
PH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005828:Genetics, Population; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population