Genome
diversity in Newfoundlanders
Analysis of
full-length mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genomes (16,587 bp) from nine
Newfoundlanders identifies unexpected genetic diversity in the island's
earliest settlers. Six individuals were examined that are direct
(female) descendants of the earliest English, French, and
Irish settlers
of the island; three other Newfoundlanders
were also examined. The diagram shows a "family tree" of their genetic
relationships. The English and Irish Newfoundlanders
are closely related to each other,
and to other continental Europeans. In contrast, the two French Newfoundlanders
are very distantly related to each other, and to other Europeans
generally; one is the first "European" identified that falls outside
the major European-inclusive genetic clade. One of the other three
Newfoundlanders (of French-Canadian descent) is also genetically
distinct from other western Europeans. [English, French, & Irish
data from a B.Sc. (hons) thesis by Angela
Pope; other data from H. Dawn
Marshall)
All material © 2004 by
Steven M. Carr
