Gamma-Globulin Factors (Gm and Inv) in New Guinea: Anthropological Significance

Abstract

Analysis of the hereditary Gm and Inv γ-globulin factors of 1669 New Guineans from the Morobe and Eastern Highlands districts and Bougainville Island demonstrates thatthe frequencies of the three Gm alleles present (Gm^a, GM^ab, and Gm^ax) are similar in general to those in Mongoloids and in particular to those in Southeast Asians and Micronesians. The New Guinea frequencies are distinct from those in other populations, including Australian aborigines. Highly significant differences in frequencies of Gm and Inv alleles occur between Melanesian-and non-Austronesian-speaking New Guineans.