Sexual Dimorphism, Inbreeding Effects And Bilateral Variation Of Finger Dermatoglyphic Ridge Counts In Ansari Muslim Population Of Nandigram In West Bengal

A systematic study of inbreeding effects on finger dermatoglyphic ridge counts among the Ansari Muslims in rural areas of Nandigram in West Bengal portrays some significant results. The distribution of total and absolute finger ridge counts (TFRC and AFRC respectively) show wide range of variation in inbred and non-inbred series of both the sexes. The rise of mean (studied both right and left sides combined as well as separately), increase of bilateral correlation and decline of bilateral asymmetry (examined both sides separately) of dermatoglyphic ridge counts in male and female samples due to inbreeding are observed. The study further records the sexual dimorphism in distribution and inbreeding effects on these traits. This investigation also attempts to throws some light on genetics of these traits. In frequency distributions, clear modes suggest that at least a few major genes (homozygous) clearly segregate on inbreeding with lowering of heterozygotes in antimodes. The results of the present study also conform to some earlier reports from different populations.