Population genetic analysis of cat populations from Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic: Identification of different gene pools in Latin America

Manuel Ruiz-Garcia, Diana Alvarez, Joseph M. Shostell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper we identify new genetic profiles of eight Latin American cat populations. In addition, we combine data from the present study and previously published data on 70 other American and European populations to discuss (1) the points of introduction of mutant alleles for cat coat phenotypes from Europe into Latin America, (2) the heterozygosity levels at these loci in the current Latin American cat populations, (3) the level of genetic heterogeneity among Latin American cat populations, and how this compares with levels found in North American and European cat populations, and (4) how many different cat gene pools are currently present in Latin America. We also include in our purview historical records of human migrations from Europe to and within the Americas. Our analyses clearly support the view that the current genetic profiles and structuring of cat populations in Latin America can be largely explained by the historical migration patterns of humans.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)147-171
Number of pages25
JournalJournal of Genetics
Volume84
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Allele frequencies
  • Cats
  • Coat characters
  • Historical and genetic agreement
  • Population genetic analyses

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