Investigating the genetic effects of Spanish colonialism: a comparison of ancient and modern mitochondrial DNA from Xaltocan, Mexico

Abstract

Spanish colonialism had profound genetic effects on native populations in central Mexico. Previous studies have shown that gene flow from Spanish colonists and African slaves introduced new genetic variants into indigenous populations, but the magnitude of this genetic impact likely varied across communities. While Spanish colonists interacted extensively with some indigenous communities, other communities had much less direct contact. Spanish colonists also reorganized many native communities into congregaciones, altering patterns of indigenous gene flow.