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Population genetic analysis of cat populations from Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic: Identification of different gene pools in Latin America

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Abstract

In this paper we identify new genetic profiles of eight Latin American cat populations. In addition, we combine data from the present study and previously published data on 70 other American and European populations to discuss (1) the points of introduction of mutant alleles for cat coat phenotypes from Europe into Latin America, (2) the heterozygosity levels at these loci in the current Latin American cat populations, (3) the level of genetic heterogeneity among Latin American cat populations, and how this compares with levels found in North American and European cat populations, and (4) how many different cat gene pools are currently present in Latin America. We also include in our purview historical records of human migrations from Europe to and within the Americas. Our analyses clearly support the view that the current genetic profiles and structuring of cat populations in Latin America can be largely explained by the historical migration patterns of humans.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unidad de Genética (Genética de Poblaciones-Biología Evolutiva), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cra 7A No 43-82, Bogotá, DC, Colombia

    Manuel Ruiz-Garcia & Diana Alvarez

  2. Department of Biology, Penn State University, 15401, Uniontown, PA, USA

    Joseph M. Shostell

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  1. Manuel Ruiz-Garcia
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  2. Diana Alvarez
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  3. Joseph M. Shostell
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Correspondence to Manuel Ruiz-Garcia.

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This work is dedicated to the memory of Dr Roy Robinson. May he rest in peace.

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Ruiz-Garcia, M., Alvarez, D. & Shostell, J.M. Population genetic analysis of cat populations from Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic: Identification of different gene pools in Latin America. J Genet 84, 147–171 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02715841

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