Genetically Isolated Groups That You Must Know About
A genetically isolated group refers to populations that have little to no genetic mixing with other groups
These groups can be isolated due to geography, culture, or both, and can exist over many generations. Here's a look at some of the most genetically isolated groups in modern history
Parsis migrated to India from Persia in the 7th century. This group disapproves of marriage outside of their religion, which may have led to their isolation
Anabaptist groups, such as the Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterites, are genetically isolated due to several factors such as cultural differences
The Sherpa in the mountains of Nepal have remained genetically isolated for centuries, likely in part because of the forbidding landscape they inhabit
Papua New Guineans are genetically isolated and have unique genetic diversity that can be traced back 50,000 years
Nunavik Inuit in Canada's Arctic are genetically distinct from any known group. Their genes reflect an increased ability to metabolise fat and protein, important for surviving cold climate
A genetically isolated community in northwest Colombia called the Antioquenos, carries a rare genetic variant that puts people at increased risk of early-onset Alzheimer's disease
Ashkenazi Jewish population is considered a genetic isolate due to their religious and cultural practices, which have kept them separate from other populations for centuries
Finnish people are genetically isolated from other European populations. This is because of the differences in admixture, including Asian influence, compared to most Europeans
Tristan da Cunha, a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic, has been genetically isolated for many years due to its small population and remote location