Geography and Genetics
How closely related are the world's populations? The Genetic Distance Map offers a fascinating way to explore that question by putting genetic similarity onto a map. Click on this map and the surrounding areas are then colored according to genetic distance. The result is a visual landscape of genetic similarity, with similar colours indicating populations that are genetically closer to one another. For most populations, the Genetic Distance Map displays smooth, concentric rings radiating outwards. In many locations, geographic distance mirrors genetic distance (e.g., clicking on central France highlights neighboring regions in Western Europe). As you might suspect populations that live close together are often genetically similar. However, there are some interesting exceptions to this rule, where the map breaks this geographic pattern because of historical migrations or geographic isolation. One striking example can be seen by clicking on Afrikaner in South Africa, which lights...
