XII. Genetic studies in Jordan

Abstract

Certain demographic and genetic data were collected among the Druze, Chechen and Arab components of the population in the oasis of Azraq, eastern Jordan, during a short period spent there in 1966. Some of the results obtained during this preliminary survey, including blood groups, stature and weight, dermatoglyphics, skin pigmentation and colour vision deficiency, are presented, and it is hoped that a fuller, definitive survey will, at a later date, be possible. For the greater part, the Arabs have been excluded from the analysis, owing to the small sample size. The Chechen and Druze data are considered within the framework of information, often sporadic, available from other non-Jewish, Middle Eastern populations.