A Y-chromosome signature of hegemony in Gaelic Ireland
Am J Hum Genet. 2006 Feb;78(2):334-8.
doi: 10.1086/500055.
Epub 2005 Dec 8.
Authors
Laoise T Moore 1, Brian McEvoy, Eleanor Cape, Katharine Simms, Daniel G Bradley
Affiliation
●1Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
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PMID:
16358217
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PMCID:
PMC1380239
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DOI:
10.1086/500055
Abstract
Seventeen-marker simple tandem repeat genetic analysis of Irish Y chromosomes reveals a previously unnoted modal haplotype that peaks in frequency in the northwestern part of the island. It shows a significant association with surnames purported to have descended from the most important and enduring dynasty of early medieval Ireland, the Ui Neill. This suggests that such phylogenetic predominance is a biological record of past hegemony and supports the veracity of semimythological early genealogies. The fact that about one in five males sampled in northwestern Ireland is likely a patrilineal descendent of a single early medieval ancestor is a powerful illustration of the potential link between prolificacy and power and of how Y-chromosome phylogeography can be influenced by social selection.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Chromosomes, Human, Y / genetics*
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Humans
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Ireland
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Male
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Phylogeny
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Tandem Repeat Sequences / genetics
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White People / classification
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White People / ethnology*
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White People / genetics*
Grants and funding
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Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom