Current Developments in Anthropological Genetics: Ecology and Population Structure

This volume examines the interrelationship of ecology, subsistence pat­ terns, and the observed genetic variation in human populations. Hence, the book is divided conceptually into the following categories: nonhuman primates, hunters and gatherers, nomads, swidden agriculturalists, peas­ ant farmers, religious isolates, and modern and urban aggregates. While many of these populations have experienced (and are experiencing) ac­ culturation as a result of contact with technologically more advanced groups, the genetic structures described in this volume attempt to recon­ struct the traditional patterns as well as genetic changes because of con­ tact. Most chapters also integrate biological (genetic), social, and de­ mographic data within an ecological frame thus presenting a holistic view of the population structures of ecologically distinct groups. The first chapter examines the body of early nonhuman primate lit­ erature that emphasized ecological determinism in effecting the popula­ tion structure of our primate ancestors-relatives. It also examines more recent literature (since 1970) in which it became apparent that greater flexibility exists in primate social structure within specific environmental frameworks. Thus, it appears that our nonhuman primate evolutionary heritage is not one of ecological determinism in social organization but one of flexibility and rapid change suggesting the evolutionary success of our species is based upon a system of flexibility and that social ad­ aptations can be accomplished in a number of diverse ways.