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Population genetic, social, linguistic and topographical relationships in north-eastern Arnhem Land, Australia

Nature volume 261, pages 223–225 (1976)Cite this article

Abstract

GENETIC differentiation has been found among Australian Aboriginal tribes1, but no previous attempt has been made to assess intratribal differentiation. We report here on genetic differentiation within an Aboriginal ‘tribe’ related to linguistic, social and topographical components of the population, together with confirmation of the importance of drainage systems as natural barriers to gene flow. An estimate of inbreeding in a traditionally structured Aboriginal local group is given.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetics and Human Variation, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia

    N. G. WHITE & P. A. PARSONS

Authors
  1. N. G. WHITE
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  2. P. A. PARSONS
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WHITE, N., PARSONS, P. Population genetic, social, linguistic and topographical relationships in north-eastern Arnhem Land, Australia. Nature 261, 223–225 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/261223a0

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