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Genetic and cultural microdifferentiation and goitre prevalence in dogon opulation

Processes acting on the formation of the current population structure of the Dogon population living in the Sanga region, Republic of Mali, were investigated using demographic, migration, linguistic and genetic data on 7 subpopulation (village) groups. Although the Dogon population has been considered as culturally and ecologically homogenous the analysis shows considerable demographic and linguistic divergence between subdivisions. The socio-economic changes due to the introduction of of large-scale production of some vegetables, better water supply and the impact of tourism in some of the analyzed villages have led to different survival strategies in difficult economic conditions, causing changes in both family structure and migration. The inter-village migration analysis and data on mating structures, which reveal limited gene flow, high endogamy and inbreeding values as well as distribution of some genetic frequencies show a marked microdifferentiation of the villages in this small geographic area. The analysis of endemic goitre carried out in the same population shows the prevalence of 52.6%. As the differences in prevalence of this disease reflect the observed genetic and cultural microdifferentiation, the findings are analyzed in the light of possible genetic predisposition to the disease.

genetics; goitre prevalence; Dogon; anthropology

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