Anthropogenetic variability in groups of children from regular and special schools from different localities in Serbia

Abstract

This population-genetic study compares morpholophysiological and genetic variability in five control groups of individuals (children from five regular schools, N= 996) with children from that many special schools (N= 736) from Serbia, by using a test of determination of homozygously recessive characteristics in humans (HRC-test). Genetic homozygosity degree showed not only statistically significant difference between the mean values obtained for two groups of studied samples (control group 6.95? 0.07; children from special schools 8.63? 0.08 HRCs, out of 30 analyzed characteristics), but also differences in the type of distribution, as well as the presence of specific combinations of such traits. Results of comparisons done in different places (Kraljevo, Nis, Vranje, Leskovac, Pirot) showed the same tendency- the increase of genetic homozygosity and relative decrease of variability in samples of children from special schools. The number of HRCs among individuals from control groups varied from 2 to 15/30, and from 3 to 16/30 among children from special schools. It is possible that increased recessive homozygosity present in the group of children from special schools leads to increase of genetic loads, what may cause easier expression of some physiological and mental abilities that children from special schools have.A great individual variation in amount of genetic homozygosity that exists among human individuals may influence their potentials for different kinds of adaptation, including their mental abilities, physical capacities or resistance to different diseases.