Abstract
Pacific populations can be distinguished by cultural differences, and of these language is one of the most striking. We have made a detailed study of genetic differentiation of populations in New Guinea and nearby areas using serum protein and red cell enzyme markers and have carried out a partial correlation analysis of genetic, geographic and linguistic distances between populations. The results show that genetic distance is correlated with geographic distance when linguistic difference is controlled. The results do not support the view that 2 forms of the Austronesian languages are associated with genetic distinctions. Contrasts between Austronesian and Papuan languages, which are reflected in genetic differences, are associated possibly with the highland and lowland origins of these populations. Within this major ecological division, the effects of local ecological factors are also of importance.
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