Gender Dimorphism of Fingerprint Patterns in Five Digits Among Three Ethnic Groups in Nigeria: A Tool for Identification

Dermatoglyphics study is an important aspect of forensic science in establishing one's identity. This study aims to empirically determine the dermatoglyphic pattern of fingerprints that is prevalent among genders of three ethnic groups (Urhobo, Ika, and Isoko. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted for six months among three ethnic groups in Delta State. The combined sample size for the study is one thousand two hundred (1200) subjects, each selected across the aforementioned ethnic groups. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. P value <0.05 was considered significant. In all five digits, the most prevalent pattern of prints in males were whorls in the thumb, index, and middle digits, while arches and loops were prevalent in the ring and little digits. For females, the most prevalent were aches in the thumb and ring digits, while the loop was prevalent in the index, middle, and little digits. The current study shows that distinctions exist in patterns of fingerprint between genders. This study will be of great relevance in the fields of anthropology, forensic science, and population dynamics, especially in this era of incessant rise in insecurity in our present-day society.

Key Words: genders, fingerprint, five digits, identification