The Origins of Native Americans: Evidence from Anthropological Genetics

Description

Who are the Native Americans? When and how did they colonize the New World? What proportion of the biological variation in contemporary Amerindian populations was 'made in America' and what was brought from Siberia? This book is a unique synthesis of the genetic, archaeological and demographic evidence concerning the native peoples of the Americas, using case studies from contemporary Amerindian and Siberian indigenous groups to unravel the mysteries. It culminates in an examination of the devastating collision between European and Native American cultures following contact, and the legacy of increased incidence of chronic diseases that still accompanies the acculturation of native peoples today. This compelling account will be required reading for all those interested in the anthropology of Native Americans, past, present and future.

"It really serves as a comprehensive review of the human biology of native Americans in the broadest sense, with topics ranging from origins to contemporary population structure to demography and epidemiology...Crawford's book is not just of value to researchers interested in native Americans as a geographic region or population genetics as a topical area; rather, it has something for everyone and is destined to be a classic work in human biology." Human Biology "Professor Crawford's book is thoroughly recommended, not only for its factual content and argument, but also for the considered opinions of the author on much of the material he has consulted in writing it. All who are working on biological questions on or about Amerindian peoples will find it essential to read." Human Genetics "...this excellent book...serves as a comprehensive review of the human biology of native Americans in the broadest sense, with topics ranging from origins to contemporary population structure to demography and epidemiology. Crawford's book is not just of value to researchers interested in native Americans as a geographic region or population genetics as a topical area; rather, it has something for everyone and is destined to be a classic work in human biology." John H. Relethford, Human Biology "The book shows what a wide variety of factors it is necessary to consider in attempting to understand the genetic evolution of a population...Professor Crawford's book is thoroughly recommended, not only for its factual content and argument, but also for the considered opinions of the author on much of the material he has consulted in writing it. All who are working on biological questions on or about Amerindian peoples will find it essential to read." Human Genetics "...The origins of Native Americans is an engaging and thoughtful account of the population history of aboriginal groups from Siberia and the Americas based on anthropological genetic data." Theodore G. Schurr, Great Plains Research