Dermatoglyphic variation in the human populations of the North Pennine Dales, North England. I. Sex differences, bilateral asymmetry, digital diversity and regional variation

Abstract

AbstractThe North Pennine Dales are sparsely populated and deeply indented valleys in the central uplands of northern England. Travel to service centres on the surrounding low lying terrain, especially to the industrial conurbations, is channelled by way of the dale mouths. Communication over the dale heads is difficult and is thus much dictated by topography and by the orientation of each dale.This paper represents the first of two reports on the finger and palmar dermatoglyphics of the populations. Basic data are presented on sex differences, bilateral asymmetry and digital diversity. Univariate statistical tests have been carried out between the dales' populations for several stages based on the selection of individuals by ancestry. Several significant differences occur but no more than would be expected by chance. Distinct spatial patterning does recur for several variables, but on the available data a univariate approach has been unsuccessful in determining the nature and causes of overall population interrelationships.