Inbreeding and developmental stability in a small human population.

Inbreeding coefficients are reported for all members of the isolated Havasupai tribe of northern Arizona (USA), based upon pedigrees which are as deep as eight generations. Because inbreeding has been repeatedly shown to reduce developmental homeostasis in a large number of species, we ask if the degree of inbreeding in the Havasupai is associated with reduced developmental stability. Fluctuating asymmetry in two dermatoglyphic traits suggests that inbreeding significantly compromises developmental homeostasis in this population.