Characterization of population structure from the mitochondrial DNA vis‐à‐vis language and geography in Papua New Guinea

Situated along a corridor linking the Asian continent with the outer islands of the Pacific, Papua New Guinea has long played a key role in understanding the initial peopling of Oceania. The vast diversity in languages and unique geographical environments in the region have been central to the debates on human migration and the degree of interaction between the Pleistocene settlers and newer migrants. To better understand the role of Papua New Guinea in shaping the region's prehistory, we sequenced the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region of three populations, a total of 94 individuals, located in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. We analyzed these samples with a large data set of Oceania populations to examine the role of geography and language in shaping population structure within New Guinea and between the region and Island Melanesia. Our results from median‐joining networks, star‐cluster age estimates, and population genetic analyses show that while highland New Guinea populations seem to be the oldest settlers, there has been significant gene flow within New Guinea with little influence from geography or language. The highest genetic division is between Papuan speakers of New Guinea versus East Papuan speakers located outside of mainland New Guinea. Our study supports the weak language barriers to genetic structuring among populations in close contact and highlights the complexity of understanding the genetic histories of Papua New Guinea in association with language and geography. Am J Phys Anthropol 142:613–624, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Growth and development of the Kaiapit children of the Markham Valley, New Guinea

The growth and development of Markham Valley children was studied by examining over 800 children of known age, ranging from birth to maturity. Although growth in height and weight is slower than that of European children, it is faster than that so far recorded for some New Guinea populations. This is associated with the tallest adult stature reported to date for New Guinea and supports the previous finding that adult height in a New Guinea society is proportional to the growth rate of children in that society. Skin fold thickness values for age are lower than both New Guinea Highland and European children, despite reasonable availability of food. Menarche occurs at a mean age of 15.6 years, which is much earlier than some other New Guinea figures. Dental eruption times, in keeping with other New Guinea and African figures, are earlier than those of Europeans. Parent/child correlations for height and weight do not differ significantly from those obtained for European children, suggesting that environmental factors have a minimal effect in frustrating the fulfilment of genetic growth potential.     

Contribution to study of Asmat genetic variability

During an anthropological survey in the South-West of Irian Jaya (Indonesian New Guinea), 145 blood samples were collected from the coastal Asmat population. ABO, MNSs, Rh, Kell, Duffy and Kidd red cell antigen systems were investigated and the results are presented here. ABO, MNSs, Rh gene frequencies of the Asmat, together with those of 21 other New Guinea populations, were examined by principal component analysis. The topological representation of the distribution of the selected New Guinea populations confirms high variability in the interior of the island, and possible causes are discussed. A hypothesis is advanced, concordant with language evidence which would explain the resemblance among populations from opposite coasts of New Guinea and between some mountain and coastal groups. When the comparison includes 32 other world populations, the New Guinea groups constitute one assemblage distinct from the others.     

TransNewGuinea.org: An Online Database of New Guinea Languages

The island of New Guinea has the world’s highest linguistic diversity, with more than 900 languages divided into at least 23 distinct language families. This diversity includes the world’s third largest language family: Trans-New Guinea. However, the region is one of the world’s least well studied, and primary data is scattered across a wide range of publications and more often then not hidden in unpublished “gray” literature. The lack of primary research data on the New Guinea languages has been a major impediment to our understanding of these languages, and the history of the peoples in New Guinea. TransNewGuinea.org aims to collect data about these languages and place them online in a consistent format. This database will enable future research into the New Guinea languages with both traditional comparative linguistic methods and novel cutting-edge computational techniques. The long-term aim is to shed light into the prehistory of the peoples of New Guinea, and to understand why there is such major diversity in their languages.     

Mitochondrial DNA variability of West New Guinea populations.

This paper reports human mitochondrial DNA variability in West New Guinea (the least known, western side of the island of New Guinea), not yet described from a molecular perspective. The study was carried out on 202 subjects from 12 ethnic groups, belonging to six different Papuan language families, representative of both mountain and coastal plain areas. Mitochondrial DNA hypervariable region 1 (HVS 1) and the presence of the 9-bp deletion (intergenic region COII-tRNA(Lys)) were investigated. HVS 1 sequencing identified 73 polymorphic sites defining 89 haplotypes; the 9-bp deletion, which is considered a marker of Austronesian migration in the Pacific, was found to be absent in the whole West New Guinea study sample. Statistical analysis applied to the resulting haplotypes reveal high heterogeneity and an intersecting distribution of genetic variability in these populations, despite their cultural and geographic diversity. The results of subsequent phylogenetic approaches subdivide mtDNA diversity in West New Guinea into three main clusters (groups I-III), defined by sets of polymorphisms which are also shared by some individuals from Papua New Guinea. Comparisons with worldwide HVS 1 sequences stored in the MitBASE database show the absence of these patterns outside Oceania and a few Indonesian subjects, who also lack the 9-bp deletion. This finding, which is consistent with the effects of genetic drift and prolonged isolation of West New Guinea populations, lead us to regard these patterns as New Guinea population markers, which may harbor the genetic memory of the earliest human migrations to the island.     

Beta diversity of frogs in the forests of New Guinea, Amazonia and Europe: contrasting tropical and temperate communities

Aim To test the hypothesis that animal communities within environmentally relatively uniform lowland forests are characterized by low beta diversity, both in tropical and in temperate areas. Location Lowland forests in the basins of the Sepik and Ramu rivers in New Guinea, the Amazon river in Bolivia, and the Elbe and Dyje rivers in the Czech Republic. Methods A network of 5–6 study sites spanning distances from 20–80 to 300–500 km in each study area was systematically surveyed for all frogs, using visual detection and call tracking. The community data were analysed for alpha and beta diversity. Results Local (alpha) diversity of frog communities was similar in the two tropical areas, New Guinea (mean ± SE of 22 ± 1.4 species per site) and Amazonia (24 ± 1.7 species), but was significantly lower in Europe (8 ± 0.8 species). In Amazonia, 36 of the total of 70 species were recorded from single sites. In contrast, widespread species dominated in Europe, whereas New Guinea exhibited an intermediate pattern with both local and widespread species well represented. The rate of species accumulation across different sites was lowest in Europe, intermediate in New Guinea and highest in Amazonia. The regional species diversity, expressed as the combined number of species from five study sites, was 1.5 times higher than the local species diversity at a single site in Europe, 2.0 times higher in New Guinea and 2.7 times higher in Amazonia. The proportion of species shared between communities decreased with geographic distance in New Guinea and Europe, but not in Amazonia. Main conclusions Frog communities in the lowland tropical rain forests of New Guinea and Amazonia had similar numbers of species, but differed in their beta diversity. More species in Amazonia had restricted distributions than in New Guinea. Both tropical areas had markedly higher alpha and beta diversity than the temperate area in Europe.     

Anthropometric indicators of children's nutrition in two Nigerian communities

On a sample of some 2000 children living in two ecologically different zones (the Wooded and Guinea savanna) in Kwara state, Nigeria, body measurements were taken, to serve as indicators of the state of nutrition. There was more undernutrition in the Guinea savanna than in the Wooded. More males than females were undernourished in the Guinea savanna but not in the Wooded. It is argued that the differences between districts stem from social and cultural variables.     

Musaespora,a genus of pyrenocarpous lichens with campylidia,and other additions to the foliicolous lichen flora of New Guinea

Abstract: The new lichen genus Musaespora is described from Java and Papua New Guinea. It is the first known pyrenocarpous lichen genus with campylidia, and appears to belong to the Aspidotheliaceae. Three species are described, two foliicolous species from Papua New Guinea and one corticolous species from Java. In addition, a list is given of the foliicolous lichen flora of the site in Papua New Guinea, where the foliicolous Musaespora species have been found, two more new foliicolous species are described, Echinoplaca hispida and Sporopodium lucidum, and 19 species are recorded for the first time form Papua New Guinea.     

The Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) of Equatorial Guinea (Annobón, Bioko and Río Muni)

This study provides a checklist of the Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) present in Equatorial Guinea, comprising 55 genera and 157 taxa. Twenty-six species are known from Annobón, 91 from Bioko and 110 from Río Muni. The best represented genus is Millettia with 14 species. Bibliographic references for Papilionoideae (Leguminosae) from Equatorial Guinea have been gathered and checked. Seventeen species are included, because published data on their distribution range suggests they may occur in Equatorial Guinea; 15 species are introduced and likely already naturalized; and 48 taxa are recorded for the first time from the country. This represents an increase of over 30% in the floristic knowledge of Papilionoideae from Equatorial Guinea. Three species only known from their types may be considered as endemic to Equatorial Guinea: Amphimas tessmannii, Leptoderris oxytropis and Millettia mildbraedii.     

Field boundaries of Panicum maximum as a reservoir for predators and a sink for Chilo partellus

Abstract:  The biological-control function of field boundaries of Guinea grass, Panicum maximum Jacq. on the spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe was examined as a reservoir for arthropod predators and as a trap plant for the pest. Field border vegetation and predator density were manipulated to determine the effect of the grass border on the abundance of stem borers and their predators in maize fields, and the effect of predators on the stem borer population. The strip of Guinea grass supported an abundance of earwigs and spiders, the potential predators of stem borer eggs and larvae. Density of C. partellus larvae in the Guinea grass strips was low throughout the season and only young larvae were collected, suggesting the inferiority of the grass stand as a habitat for stem borer larvae. These results indicate that Guinea grass is a good agent of habitat management to selectively enhance arthropod predators of stem borers and act as a sink for the pest. Predator removal resulted in a higher density of C. partellus than control in maize-bordered plots. On the other hand, no difference was found in the stem borer density between predator treatments in grass-bordered plots, probably because of insufficient predator reduction in removal plots. These results suggest that the predator assemblage found in the study site has, if sufficiently abundant, potential to limit the C. partellus population in maize fields. Even though the Guinea grass stand harboured an abundant number of predators, the grass boundaries around maize fields did not enhance predator populations within the crop field. Furthermore, field boundaries of Guinea grass had no measurable effect on the within-field density of C. partellus as a trap crop. Creating a polyculture within the crop and early planting of the grass could further enhance the biological-control function of Guinea grass boundaries.     

Checklist of the Caesalpinioideae (Leguminosae) of Equatorial Guinea (Annobón, Bioko and Río Muni)

This study provides a checklist of the Caesalpinioideae (Leguminosae) present in Equatorial Guinea, comprising 52 genera and 124 taxa. Seven species are known from Annobón, 33 from Bioko and 109 from Río Muni. The best represented genus is Senna with eight species. In addition, bibliographic references for Caesalpinioideae (Leguminosae) from Equatorial Guinea have been gathered and checked. Fourteen species are included based on literature records, because their distribution ranges suggest they may occur in Equatorial Guinea, 11 introduced species could be naturalized, and 45 taxa are recorded for the first time from the country. This represents an increase of over 35% in the floristic knowledge of Caesalpinioideae from Equatorial Guinea. A statistical summary is presented at the end of the checklist.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 541–562.     

Revision of the termite family Rhinotermitidae (Isoptera) in New Guinea

Recently, we completed a revision of the Termitidae from New Guinea and neighboring islands, recording a total of 45 species. Here, we revise a second family, the Rhinotermitidae, to progress towards a full picture of the termite diversity in New Guinea. Altogether, 6 genera and 15 species are recorded, among which two species, Coptotermes gambrinus and Parrhinotermes barbatus, are new to science. The genus Heterotermes is reported from New Guinea for the first time, with two species restricted to the southern part of the island. We also provide the first New Guinea records for six species of the genera Coptotermes and Schedorhinotermes. We briefly describe soldiers and imagoes of each species and provide a key based on soldier characters. Finally, we discuss the taxonomic and biogeographical implication of our results. A replacement name, Schedolimulus minutides Bourguignon, is proposed for the termitophilous staphylinid Schedolimulus minutus Bourguignon, to solve a question of secondary homonymy.     

Patterns of Y-chromosome diversity intersect with the Trans-New Guinea hypothesis

The island of New Guinea received part of the first human expansion out of Africa (>40,000 years ago), but its human genetic history remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined Y-chromosome diversity in 162 samples from the Bird's Head region of northwest New Guinea (NWNG) and compared the results with previously obtained data from other parts of the island. NWNG harbors a high level of cultural and linguistic diversity and is inhabited by non-Austronesian (i.e., Papuan)-speaking groups as well as harboring most of West New Guinea's (WNG) Austronesian-speaking groups. However, 97.5% of its Y-chromosomes belong to 5 haplogroups that originated in Melanesia; hence, the Y-chromosome diversity of NWNG (and, according to available data, of New Guinea as a whole) essentially reflects a local history. The remaining 2.5% belong to 2 haplogroups (O-M119 and O-M122) of East Asian origin, which were brought to New Guinea by Austronesian-speaking migrants around 3,500 years ago. Thus, the Austronesian expansion had only a small impact on shaping Y-chromosome diversity in NWNG, although the linguistic impact of this expansion to this region was much higher. In contrast, the expansion of Trans-New Guinea (TNG) speakers (non-Austronesian) starting about 6,000-10,000 years ago from the central highlands of what is now Papua New Guinea, presumably in combination with the expansion of agriculture, played a more important role in determining the Y-chromosome diversity of New Guinea. In particular, we identified 2 haplogroups (M-P34 and K-M254) as suggestive markers for the TNG expansion, whereas 2 other haplogroups (C-M38 and K-M9) most likely reflect the earlier local Y-chromosome diversity. We propose that sex-biased differences in the social structure and cultural heritage of the people involved in the Austronesian and the TNG expansions played an important role (among other factors) in shaping the New Guinean Y-chromosome landscape.     

Two new Campanulaceae from New Guinea

Two new species of Campanulaceae from New Guinea are described, Lobelia victoriensis and Wahlenbergia papuana. Keys to and enumerations of the species of both genera of New Guinea taxa are provided.     

Multilocus population genetic analysis of the Southwest Pacific malaria vector Anopheles punctulatus

The population structure and history of the cryptic malaria vector species, Anopheles punctulatus (Doenitz), was investigated throughout Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands with the aim of detailing genetic subdivisions and the potential for movement through this biogeographically complex region. We obtained larval collections from over 80 sites and utilised a diverse array of molecular markers that evolve through different processes. Individuals were initially identified to species and genotyped using the ribosomal DNA second internal transcribed spacer. DNA sequencing of a single copy nuclear ribosomal protein S9 and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I loci were then investigated and 12 nuclear microsatellite markers were developed and analysed. Our data revealed three genetically distinct populations – one in Papua New Guinea, the second on Buka Island (Bougainville Province, Papua New Guinea), and the third on Guadalcanal Island (Solomon Islands). Genetic differentiation within Papua New Guinea was much lower than that found in studies of other closely related species in the region. The data does suggest that A. punctulatus has undergone a population bottleneck followed by a recent population and range expansion in Papua New Guinea. Humans and regional economic growth may be facilitating this population expansion, as A. punctulatus is able to rapidly occupy human modified landscapes and traverse unsealed roads. We therefore anticipate extensive movement of this species through New Guinea – particularly into the highlands, with a potential increase in malaria frequency in a warming climate – as well as relatively unrestricted gene flow of advantageous alleles that may confound vector control efforts.     

Evolutionary origins of taro (Colocasia esculenta) in Southeast Asia

As an ancient clonal root and leaf crop, taro (Colocasia esculenta, Araceae) is highly polymorphic with uncertain genetic and geographic origins. We explored chloroplast DNA diversity in cultivated and wild taros, and closely related wild taxa, and found cultivated taro to be polyphyletic, with tropical and temperate clades that appear to originate in Southeast Asia sensu lato. A third clade was found exclusively in wild populations from Southeast Asia to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Our findings do not support the hypothesis of taro domestication in Papua New Guinea, despite archaeological evidence for early use or cultivation there, and the presence of apparently natural wild populations in the region (Australia and Papua New Guinea).     

Phylogeographic analysis of the green python,Morelia viridis,reveals cryptic diversity

Green pythons, which are regionally variable in colour patterns, are found throughout the lowland rainforest of New Guinea and adjacent far northeastern Australia. The species is popular in commercial trade and management of this trade and its impacts on natural populations could be assisted by molecular identification tools. We used mitochondrial nucleotide sequences and a limited allozyme data to test whether significantly differentiated populations occur within the species range. Phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA sequences revealed hierarchal phylogeographic structure both within New Guinea and between New Guinea and Australia. Strongly supported reciprocally monophyletic mitochondrial lineages, northern and southern, were found either side of the central mountain range that runs nearly the length of New Guinea. Limited allozyme data suggest that population differentiation is reflected in the nuclear as well as the mitochondrial genome. A previous morphological analysis did not find any phenotypic concordance with the pattern of differentiation observed in the molecular data. The southern mitochondrial lineage includes all of the Australian haplotypes, which form a single lineage, nested among the southern New Guinean haplotypes.     

The 1985 guinea/guinea‐bissau maritime boundary case and its implications

The 1985 Guinea/Guinea‐Bissau maritime boundary case was a landmark decision in maritime delimitation. For the first time, sub‐Saharan African states resorted to third‐party settlement, thereby making a significant contribution to the developing state practice on maritime delimitation. The Arbitration Tribunal took an unprecedented “regional approach,”; which had a direct effect on the two neighboring countries, Senegal and Sierra Leone. The Award provides lessons for unresolved conflicts and has implications for areas of future dispute such as in the Gulf of Guinea, where Cameroon has initiated proceedings against Nigeria.     

Regional patterns of biodiversity in New Guinea plants

Regional patterns of biodiversity in seven recently-studied, speciose groups of New Guinea plants (comprising 200 species, or 1–2% of the flora) are analysed with maps showing numbers of species in 1^o grid cells. Patterns are correlated with the tectonic history of New Guinea. The New Guinea orogen involved rocks of the northern margin of the Australian craton as well as the terranes accreted to the margin, and the current axial range is geologically and biologically composite. The southern Nothofagus has a main massing on the Australian craton portion of the New Guinea mountains. In contrast, four typical genera of Malesian rainforest (Parsonsia, Archidendron, Aglaia, Amyema) have centres of biodiversity on the accreted terranes north of the craton. There are 32 distinct tectono-stratigraphic terranes (some composite) which have been accreted to the craton at different times through the Tertiary and these may have travelled hundreds or even thousands of kilometres before docking. Finally, the 'decaisninoid group' of Loranthaceae and the fern Grammitis have centres of diversity on both the craton and the accreted terranes.     

The Ethnography of Landscape: GIS and Remote Sensing in the Study of Forest Change in West African Guinea Savanna

In this paper we explore the application of Amazonian forest change models to the Guinea savanna environment of western Africa. In particular, we examine recent research documenting the growth of peri-village forest islands in the area of Kissidougou, Guinea, which purports to challenge the pervasive view of Guinea savanna deforestation brought about by human activity. As a more systematic approach to the analysis of human/environmental interactions, we propose an "ethnography of landscape," in which the findings of detailed, local ethnographic and ecological case studies are combined with remotely sensed information on what the wider region looks like as it changes over time. In pursuing this research, we employ aerial photography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques to examine our study area of Kilimi in northwestern Sierra Leone. We show that a Kissidougou-type model of peri-village forest island growth is not applicable to this region, where other environmental change processes are underway. In future work, we propose to employ Landsat satellite image archives to examine, monitor, and compare processes of ecological change throughout the Guinea savanna. [deforestation, ecological anthropology, remote sensing, Sierra Leone, West Africa]