Dermatoglyphic variations in five ethno-geographical cohorts of Indian populations: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The present study was carried out to understand the genetic relationship if any, among different Indian populations using classical dermatoglyphic markers in 250 post-graduate students. Finger print patterns were collected on a white paper using a non-spreading blue ink-pad. The other traits were recorded by direct observation. The ridges were counted and patterns were identified using glass hand-lens. Statistical analysis was done using student t-test, two-way anova (multivariate) and chi-square test of significance using ANALYSE-IT software. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out using PopGen 32 and MEGA 4 software. Significant variations were found for total ridge count between North vs. East cohort (p<0.001) and East vs. West cohort (p<.001). Interestingly, 55% of the participants from Northern cohort had dominant allele for hand clasping and thumb extension traits, while 55% participants of South cohort have recessive allele for the same. Interestingly, blood group “O” and “AB” were found significantly ((p= 0.07) associated with “whorl” and “loop” fingerprint pattern types in each cohort.