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Globin gene mapping data enable Polynesians to be divided into three distinct groups: (i) Maoris, Cook Islanders, (ii) Tongans, Samoans, (iii) Niue Islanders. Unusual RFLPs detected by the restriction enzymes Apa I and Bgl II are found in Polynesians. A high frequency of alpha-thalassemia in this population is explained by genetic drift and a founder effect.
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Trent et al. (1988) studied this question.
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