Sequential Developmental Components of Digital Dermatoglyphics

Document Type

Article

Authors

Robert J. Meier, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

Abstract

The concept of developmental field was verified utilizing principal component analysis in a sample of 791 Eskimos (Inuit) of northwestern Alaska and 289 Easter Islanders. In addition to ridge count components of general size and ulnar/radial directionality, there were essentially three digital components defined as follows;(1) digit I (thumb), digits II-III-IV, and (3) digit V (little finger). Digit IV was observed to the least stable and in some instances paired with digit V. A modified developmental field theory was proposed which placed the digital fields in a sequential arrangement based upon the elevation of volar pads at the timing of their regression. In this scheme, the little finger was postulated to undergo primary ridge formation first over apical pads having the lowest elevation, the middle digits followed and the thumb was last to complete ridge formation on the highest and longest sustained pads. Preliminary testing gave some support to this idea, but it must be further tested, preferably with embryonic material.

Recommended Citation

Meier, Robert J. (1981) "Sequential Developmental Components of Digital Dermatoglyphics," Human Biology: Vol. 53: Iss. 4, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol53/iss4/8