An Extended Family Study of Ridge Counts in Two Indian Populations

Document Type

Article

Authors

T A. Hreczko, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England
A K. Ray, University of Toronto, Canada

Abstract

No quantitative digital dermatoglyphic familial data are available in the literature beyond first-degree relationships, and none for large extended families of non- European origin.Two genetically distinct and large samples of endogamous Muslim and exogamous Hindu were expanded vertically from first-degree to second-degree relationships, and horizontally to third-degree relationships. The total ridge count (TRC) and absolute ridge count (ARC) of 1977 individuals were used to derive intra- and inter-correlations and heritability estimates between paired symmetrical and asymmetrical groupings of relatives. The results were tested for departures from the theoretical expectations inherent in the polygenic model and were examined for effects of dominance, recessivity, and X-linkage.The present findings indicate that the inheritance of the quantified digital dermatoglyphics is compatible with the theory of a series of additive genes at several loci, each with small, independent effects. They support earlier findings and provide further evidence in the form of correlation coefficients and heritability estimates beyond first-degree relationships.

Recommended Citation

Hreczko, T A. and Ray, A K. (1985) "An Extended Family Study of Ridge Counts in Two Indian Populations," Human Biology: Vol. 57: Iss. 2, Article 12.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol57/iss2/12