Biology ETDs

Publication Date

1935

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to show the distribution of the human blood groups among the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. Upon reviewing all available literature concerning the distribution of the human blood groups, it was noticed that very little work had been done on the American Indian. Most of this work, although indicative of what really exists, cannot be accepted because of the insufficient number of Indians integrated and the failure to use an accepted standard method. In work that had been done previously, little attempt was made to secure a single homogeneous group of American Indians. Any data concerning the distribution of the human blood groups to be used as an important additional criteria in determining races, and in throwing light upon the origin of American Indians, must consist of a large number of people from a single homogeneous group. In view of this, the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico were selected, since a large number of Indians are available and because they are regarded as a homogeneous group. From the results obtained, it is obvious that these data are of value, particularly to the Ethno-anthropologist, since it gives an additional measurement of race heretofore not employed. Also, the blood of an individual is less subject to environmental conditions, and does not change from one generation to another as might many of the cultural factors, and for that reason is more reliable in tracing lineage, particularly, since its inheritance is completely known.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Fred W. Allen

Second Committee Member

Edward Franklin Castetter

Third Committee Member

James R. Scott

Download

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS