Access

Brief Communication

Nature Genetics 29, 20–21 (1 September 2001) | doi:10.1038/ng711

Human mtDNA and Y-chromosome variation is correlated with matrilocal versus patrilocal residence

Hiroki Oota , Wannapa Settheetham-Ishida , Danai Tiwawech , Takafumi Ishida & Mark Stoneking

Genetic differences among human populations are usually larger for the Y chromosome than for mtDNA. One possible explanation is the higher rate of female versus male migration due to the widespread phenomenon of patrilocality, in which the woman moves to her mate's residence after marriage.