Human Identification: Assessment of Interrelationships between Sex, Handedness and Dermatoglyphics
Authors:
OGUNSOLA Oluseyi
Publication Type: Journal article
Journal:
ISSN Number:
0
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Abstract
Humans have numerous forms of diversity ranging from the very
fundamental form of gender to inter- and intra-populations forms of
diversity. Several methods have been established for identifications of
humans; very importantly, gender and dermatoglyphic features, especially
thumbprints. Handedness has also been shown to vary among humans.
There is however the need to investigate further, the nature of
interrelationships between the parameters. This investigation was
carried out to observe the prevalence of each of the selected
parameters of identification: sex, handedness and thumbprints; and to
evaluate the interrelationship between them within the study group. A
total of (n = 120) subjects participated, having met the criteria for
participation. They completed questionnaires for demographic
information and the thumbprints of both hands were obtained with the
aid of ink. These were classified primarily as Whorl (W), Arch (A) or
Loop (L). Handedness could be Right (R), Left (L) or Both (B). Data
obtained from the subjects were subjected to descriptive statistics.
Right handedness was the predominant; without left handedness, thus
ambidexterity accounts for the remaining 3%. Most right-handed
subjects had the Whorl right thumbprint pattern and the Loop left
thumbprint pattern. Both handedness and thumbprints patterns vary
between sexes, but to varying extents.