Dependence of the Ratio of the Lengths for the Second and Fourth Fingers (2D : 4D) on the Prenatal Development Conditions in Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius L.)

Abstract

The ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth fingers (2D : 4D) is used as a marker of prenatal androgenization. A similar ratio of finger lengths 2D : 4D was found in humans and many animal species. Morphological markers of prenatal effects are important in population studies. The 2D : 4D digit ratio in males and females of a water vole (Arvicola amphibius L.) was measured. The analysis of the dependence of this index on gender and the morphophysiological characteristics of the mother (body weight after parturition, testosterone level during pregnancy) was carried out. A similarity was found between littermates in terms of finger index. It was found that the androgen status of the mother during pregnancy and the body weight of the mother after parturition reliably affect the 2D : 4D ratio. The conclusion about the possibility of using the 2D : 4D digit ratio in environmental population studies as a marker of prenatal hormone-related maternal effects was made.