Two sets of markers and populations were considered in this study:
(a) the variability at 17 protein
loci and in the sequences of the first hypervariable segment of the
mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were
compared in 10 South American Indian tribes, in a total 3016 and
241 individuals, respectively; and
(b) a triple comparison was made, in relation to 17 protein, mtDNA and
six hypervariable tandem
repeat loci in four Brazilian Indian tribes, involving 1567, 56 and
194 persons, respectively. Both the
intrapopulational diversities and the population relationships obtained
in these groups with these
different sets of markers showed no significant correlation. High levels
of heterogeneity were
observed both at the protein and hypervariable individual loci,
as well between mtDNA sites. The
different positions observed for the Yanomama (but not for the
other nine tribes) in the trees which
summarized the protein and mtDNA data suggest some degree of asymmetric
interchange related to
sex between them and neighbouring tribes.