Genetic characterization and origin of Tunisian Berbers.

Blood samples from 120 Tunisian Berbers of Gallala village were typed for Gm and Km immunoglobulin allotypes, alpha-1-antitrypsin variants and AB0 blood groups. The results were compared with those of other Berber groups. The combined data, considered in the light of sociological, historical and paleontological data, support the hypothesis that the Berbers are native to North Africa and their ancestors, the first modern man (Homo sapiens) of North Africa, were the founders of the European populations. The ancestors of the Berbers could have been an intermediate population between H. sapiens from Europe and from South Africa.