Genetic and linguistic coevolution in Northern Island Melanesia.

ABSTRACT: Recent studies have detailed a remarkable degree of genetic and linguistic diversity in Northern Island Melanesia. Here we utilize that diversity to examine two models of genetic and linguistic coevolution. The first model predicts that genetic and linguistic correspondences formed following population splits and isolation at the time of early range expansions into the region. The second is analogous to the genetic model of isolation by distance, and it predicts that genetic and linguistic correspondences formed through continuing genetic and linguistic exchange between neighboring populations. We tested the predictions of the two models by comparing observed and simulated patterns of genetic variation, genetic and linguistic trees, and matrices of genetic, linguistic, and geographic dista

SUBMITTER: Hunley K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2570610 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature