Analysis of Finger and Toe Prints and their Corresponding Correlations in the Anioma People of Nigeria

Background: A comparison of the finger and toe ridge patterns can reveal their genetic interdependence. This cross-sectional study aimed at analyzing and correlating the corresponding finger and toe ridge counts. Materials and Methods: The hands and feet of 100 subjects (50 males and 50 females) fro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forensic science and medicine 2021-04, Vol.7 (2), p.39-46
Main Authors: Ominde, Beryl, Jaiyeoba-Ojigho, Efe, Igbigbi, Patrick
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Dermatoglyphics
Fingerprinting
Fingerprints
Fingers & toes
Forensic sciences
Genetic aspects
Igbo (African people)
Physiological aspects
Tribes
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Summary:Background: A comparison of the finger and toe ridge patterns can reveal their genetic interdependence. This cross-sectional study aimed at analyzing and correlating the corresponding finger and toe ridge counts. Materials and Methods: The hands and feet of 100 subjects (50 males and 50 females) from the Anioma tribe of Nigeria were scanned with Hewlett placard G4010 photo scanner following ethical approval. Evaluation of the finger and toe prints was carried out using AutoCAD version 2010. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences version 23 and presented using descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used to test for association between nonparametric variables while Pearson's correlation was used to assess for the relationship between corresponding finger and toe ridge counts. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The predominant finger and toe ridge patterns were loops (73%, 79.7%) followed by arches (18.4%, 15.1%) and finally whorls (8.6%, 5.2%). There was a significant association between gender and the combined print patterns of all the five digits on a limb ( P ≤ 0.05). A significant positive correlation existed between the mean ridge counts of some of the corresponding fingers and toes in females. This correlation was weak in the corresponding 1 st right and 1 st and 3 rd left digits (0 < r < 0.5) ( P ≤ 0.05) and strong in the corresponding 3 rd to 5 th right digits and 2 nd , 4 th , and 5 th left digits (0.5 ≤ r < 1) ( P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The study has clearly shown that sexual dimorphism is displayed only by a combination of the print patterns in all digits of a limb as against individual digits. Using correlation of digital mean ridge counts, the right 3 rd to 5 th and the left 2 nd , 4 th , and 5 th digits from either the hand or the foot in females can be used to predict the corresponding digit among the Anioma people of Nigeria, hence their importance in forensic sciences.
ISSN:2349-5014
2455-0094
DOI:10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_48_20