The Evolution and Genetics of Latin American Populations

Francisco M. Salzano is Emeritus Professor of Genetics at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and is one of the most eminent geneticists in Latin America working in the field of anthropology. While his main scientific interest is in human population genetics, his research also covers medical, animal and plant genetics. He has previously published a number of influential works in both English and Portuguese and has received several awards including the Almirante Alvaro Alberto National Prize and the Franz Boas High Achievement Award of the Human Biology Association. Maria C. Bortolini is Associate Professor in the Genetics Department of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Her research focuses on the genetic variability, at both protein and DNA levels, of African-derived and Amerindian populations of South America.

• Preface; 1. Origins; 2. Environment and history; 3. Socioeconomic indices, demography, and population structure; 4. Ecology, nutrition, and physiological adaptation; 5. Morphology; 6. Health and disease; 7. Haemoglobin types and haemoglobinopathies; 8. Normal genetic variation at the protein, glycoconjugate, and DNA levels; 9. Gene dynamics; 10. Synthesis.

"The volume is a data-rich source...information is evenly presented, very thoroughly researched, and will be of interest to Latin American human population genetic and biology researchers, especially anthropological geneticists." Quarterly Review of Biology