Genetic distance

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Figure 1: Genetic distance map by Cavalli-Sforza et al. (1994) [1]

Genetic distance is a measure of the genetic divergence between species or between populations within a species, whether the distance measures time from common ancestor or degree of differentiation.[2] Populations with many similar alleles have small genetic distances. This indicates that they are closely related and have a recent common ancestor.

Genetic distance is useful for reconstructing the history of populations, such as the multiple human expansions out of Africa.[3] It is also used for understanding the origin of biodiversity. For example, the genetic distances between different breeds of domesticated animals are often investigated in order to determine which breeds should be protected to maintain genetic diversity.[4]

  1. ^ Cavalli-Sforza, L.L., Menozzi, P. & Piazza, A. (1994). The History and Geography of Human Genes. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
  2. ^ Nei, M. (1987). "Chapter 9". Molecular Evolutionary Genetics. New York: Columbia University Press.
  3. ^ Ramachandran S, Deshpande O, Roseman CC, Rosenberg NA, Feldman MW, Cavalli-Sforza LL (November 2005). "Support from the relationship of genetic and geographic distance in human populations for a serial founder effect originating in Africa". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 102 (44): 15942–7. Bibcode:2005PNAS..10215942R. doi:10.1073/pnas.0507611102. PMC 1276087. PMID 16243969.
  4. ^ Ruane J (1999). "A critical review of the value of genetic distance studies in conservation of animal genetic resources". Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics. 116 (5): 317–323. doi:10.1046/j.1439-0388.1999.00205.x.