Significant Sexual Dimorphism Research Articles

Functional morphology and sexual dimorphism of antennae of the pear lace bug Stephanitis nashi (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

Many of true bugs are important pests of cultivated crops, and some are vectors of plants diseases. The pear lace bug, Stephanitis nashi Esaki and Takeya, is a significant pest of fruits and garden crops in East Asia. To provide background information for chemical ecology studies, the antennal morphology and sensilla of both sexes of this species were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The filiform antennae consist of the scape, pedicel and flagellum. Five types of sensilla were observed, including sensilla basiconica, sensilla trichodea (with four subtypes: St I–IV), sensilla grooved peg, sensilla coeloconica and sensilla campaniformia. Significant sexual dimorphism was found in antenna morphology, including the density of type 2 sensilla trichodea and length of first flagellomere. Males have significantly more sensilla trichodea II (olfactory sensilla) than females, with the main difference found on the first flagellomere and the latter is significantly longer in the male than in the female. The evolution of antennal morphology and the putative functional significance of antennal sensilla are discussed, providing insight into the sensory mechanism.

Sexual Dimorphism and Size-Related Changes in Body Shape in Tule Perch (Family: Embiotocidae), a Native California Live-Bearing Fish

The Tule Perch, Hysterocarpus traskii, is a viviparous and externally monomorphic, internally fertilizing fish. Despite appearing monomorphic, males and females are expected to differ in body shape because the different reproductive roles occupied by the sexes should influence patterns of selection and, ultimately, lead to differences in morphology. The objectives of this study were to determine if the Sacramento–San Joaquin subspecies of Tule Perch (H. t. traskii) exhibit (1) sexual dimorphism in body shape, (2) size-related changes in body shape, and (3) sexual size dimorphism. Geometric morphometric analyses indicated that H. t. traskii exhibited significant sexual dimorphism of body shape and identified the mid-body and caudal peduncle regions as the most effective discriminators between the sexes. Females were narrower through the caudal peduncle and mid-body and had anal-fin origins that were more posteriorly located than males. Additionally, H. t. traskii exhibited significant size-related changes in body shape. Larger fish were deeper bodied with blunter snouts and wider caudal peduncles. The eyes of larger fish were relatively smaller and located higher on the body than those of smaller fish. Hysterocarpus t. traskii did not exhibit differences between the sexes in standard length, but males were significantly heavier than females.

Comparative analysis of static and dynamic bare footprint dimensions in a north Indian population

Footprints recovered from the scene of a crime may be made while the perpetrator is standing, termed static, or walking, termed dynamic. Numerous studies on the medical and forensic aspects of static and dynamic footprints have been done and determining whether a footprint found at a crime scene is static or dynamic may have important forensic implications. Yet, little research has focused on the similarities or differences between static and dynamic footprints in the forensic context. The present study compared static and dynamic footprint two-dimensional variables to determine if statistically significant differences existed between them and if one can be estimated from the other. Footprints were taken from a sample of randomly selected 461 Jatt Sikh adults; major north Indian population. A total of 230 males and 231 females aged between 19 and 32 years were included in the study. Static and dynamic footprints were obtained from the participants using standard methodology. Seven linear footprint measurements and three footprint indices were calculated from each footprint. The dynamic footprint variables showed higher magnitudes than the static variables, and the differences were statistically significant for the length and width measurements. Furthermore, all measurements on the static and dynamic parameters exhibited statistically significant sexual dimorphism and bilateral differences. An attempt was made to estimate the static footprint dimensions from the dynamic footprint dimensions using the regression models to check the extent of differences between the two to help the investigators in estimating dimensions of one from another.

Sexual dimorphism of foramen magnum: An Egyptian study

BackgroundHuman identification is of a paramount forensic concern. It includes sex determination which becomes extremely complex and tricky especially in fragmentary remains.Purpose of the studyWe aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ten dimensions of foramen magnum (FM) and occipital condyles in determination of sex among 367 subjects (204 females and 163 males), their ages ranged between 18-75 years. Multislice Computed Tomography images of skulls of the studied patients were obtained from the Radiology Department. Ten different anatomical variables of the FM were measured by two independent experienced radiologists blinded to the study.ResultsFM dimensions are unique and show significant sexual dimorphism in the studied Egyptian population especially with application of discriminant function analysis. These landmarks include foramen magnum length and width (FML, FMW), FM index, FM area, length of the right and left occipital condyles (LROC, LLOC), width of the right occipital condyle (WROC), maximum bicondylar distance (MBD) and minimum intercondylar distance (MnICD). LROC and FMW are highly significant discriminating variables predicting sex.ConclusionsIt is concluded that all the studied FM parameters showed significant differences between males and females except the left occipital condylar width with higher male values when compared to females. Additionally, the right occipital condylar length and FM width are highly significant discriminating variables which are strongly beneficial in prediction of sex. FM dimensions would provide a reliable additional tool for identification of sex among adult population and could be specific for Egyptians in case of fragmentary remains or damaged skulls.

Quantity and asymmetry of fingerprint white lines: forensic implication

Bilateral asymmetry is one of the widely used features by proxy as an indicator of environmental and occupational stress and developmental instability. However, its application in personal identification has not been well elucidated in the literature. The present study strives to investigate the forensic implication of fingerprint white line count (FWLC) quantity and asymmetry and the potential of their utilization as complementary tools in personal identification. The objectives of the study were to determine the potential of FWLC asymmetry as a possible feature for sex and left or right of digit determination and its possible forensic implication among the Hausa population of Kano state, Nigeria. The study was a cross sectional type which comprises of 300 participants. A plain fingerprint captured using live scan techniques to determine the FWLC. Wilcoxon signed ranks and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the paired and independent variables. Binary logistic regression analyses were employed for determination of sex and left or right of the digit. The result shows statistically significant differences between the left and right FWLC in both sexes. FWLC exhibited leftward asymmetry in all the digits in both males and females. Significant sexual dimorphism in FWLC asymmetry was observed in all the digits except for the middle digits. Regarding the sex and left or right determination, the coefficients of discrimination of sex and left or right of digit were found to be significant for all the digits except for the middle digits for sex. The variance of sex and left or right of the digits explained by FWLC asymmetry was higher for index and ring digits. The group membership prediction was best for index and ring digits. In conclusion, the FWLC asymmetry exhibits potential in sex and left or right of the digit prediction among Hausa population. Index and ring digits were the best digits that expressed the level of dimorphism and discrimination.

Size, shape and sex differences in three subspecies of Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

ABSTRACT Capsule: Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa show sexual size dimorphism and size differences between the subspecies. The shape varies slightly between the subspecies, but not between the sexes. Aims: To investigate whether and how the three subspecies of Black-tailed Godwits, and the sexes of these subspecies, differ in size and shape. Methods: We collected body dimensions (lengths of the bill, total head, tarsus, tarsus-toe and wing) of adult Black-tailed Godwits from three locations (Iceland, the Netherlands and northwest Australia) corresponding to the breeding or wintering grounds of three known subspecies (islandica, limosa and melanuroides, respectively). Determining sex by molecular assays, we computed degrees of sexual size dimorphism. Using principal component analysis (PCA), we compared differences in size and shape among the different subspecies. Results: The limosa subspecies was the largest and also showed the most significant sexual size dimorphism. Sexual size dimorphism was smallest for wing length and largest for bill length. The first two axes of the PCA that included all subspecies of both sexes explained 94% of the total variation. Most body dimensions were highly correlated with each other, but wing length varied independently of the other dimensions. Males and females differed only in size (the first axis). However, one of the two small subspecies, islandica, also differed in shape (the second axis) from limosa and melanuroides. Conclusions: In all three subspecies of Black-tailed Godwits, females are larger than males. The fact that subspecies differed in the degree of size dimorphism and slightly in shape hints at sex-related differences in the ecological selection pressures between the different flyways.

Construction of High-Density Genetic Map and Mapping of Sex-Related Loci in the Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco).

The yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) is a very important aquaculture species distributed in freshwater area of China. All-male yellow catfish is very popular in aquaculture because of their significant sex dimorphism phenomena. The males grow much faster than females in full-sibling family. However, the sex dimorphism mechanism is still unclear in yellow catfish. In order to better understand the genetic basis of yellow catfish sexual dimorphism, it is vital to map the sex-related traits and localize the candidate genes across yellow catfish whole genome. Here, we constructed a high-density linkage map of yellow catfish using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) strategy. A total of 5705 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were mapped to 26 different linkage groups (LGs) using 184 F1 offspring. The total genetic map length was 3071.59 cM, with an average interlocus distance of 0.54 cM. Eleven significant sex-related QTLs in yellow catfish were identified. Six sex-related genes were identified from the region of reference genome near these QTLs including amh, gnrhr, vasa, lnnr1, foxl2, and bmp15. The high-density genetic linkage map provides valuable resources for yellow catfish molecular assistant breeding and elucidating sex differentiation process. Moreover, the comparative genomic study was analyzed among yellow catfish, channel catfish, and zebrafish. It revealed highly conserved chromosomal distribution between yellow catfish and channel catfish.

Sex estimation from handprints in a Croatian population sample

Aim: To test if handprint measurements show sexual dimorphism in the Croatian population, and to develop population-specific sex estimation standards. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 adult volunteers from a Croatian population (50 males and 50 females) aged between 20 and 45 years. Using a fingerprint ink, we collected handprints of both hands on a paper sheet. We scanned handprints and took 13 measurements. Bilateral asymmetry and sexual dimorphism of the measurements was analyzed and sex estimation models were developed using linear discriminant analysis. Results: All measurements exhibited statistically significant sexual dimorphism (P<0.001). Univariate discriminant functions provided sexing accuracy from 75% to 92%. The highest accuracy rate (92%) and the lowest sexing bias (0%) was obtained using the handprint breadth. A multivariate discriminant function could estimate sex with 93% accuracy, but with more pronounced sexing bias (10%). Conclusion: We showed that handprint measurements could be used for sex estimation in the Croatian population with a high accuracy level. Therefore, they could serve as a valuable tool for biological profiling of perpetrators in criminal investigations when other evidence is not conclusive.

CBCT Evaluation of the Vital Mandibular Interforaminal Anatomical Structures.

Background:Oral implants are considered safe in the mandibular anterior region, but complications often occur if vital structures such as inferior alveolar nerve, mandibular incisive canal (MIC), anterior mental loop (AL), or mental foramen (MF) are not properly identified.Aim:The aim was to evaluate vital anatomical structures in the mandibular interforaminal region and to investigate sexual dimorphism and differences with respect to left and right side regions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods:Eighty CBCT scans (forty male and forty female) were analyzed for MF position and shape, presence and measurement of AL and MIC (both in mm), emergence patterns of mandibular canal, and symmetry of MF and AL. A pilot study was conducted on five patients to determine interobserver reliability among two oral and maxillofacial radiologists, considered for interpretation of CBCT images. All the scans were taken by CS 9300, CBCT machine adjusted at 80 kVp, 15 mA, voxel size 0.3 × 0.3 × 0.3, and field of view of 10 × 5 (mandible only). The acquired images were reconstructed into multiplanar views (axial, panoramic, and cross-sectional) for evaluation.Results:The mean age of the study population was 42.64 ± 16.22 years, with males noted with slightly higher age. Position 4 of MF (below the apex of the second premolar) was noted the most on the right side, whereas position 3 (between the first and second premolars) was noted on the left side, with 75% of symmetrical MF position. The oval-shaped MF was most common among both genders and sides. The prevalence of MIC was noted in 93.75% of patients with a mean length of 12.09 ± 5.95 mm. The prevalence of AL was 53.13%, with a mean length of 1.07 ± 1.42 mm. No statistically significant sexual dimorphism (P > 0.05) was found between genders or sides for all the evaluated interforaminal parameters.Conclusion:CBCT evaluation of vital anatomical structures needs to be elicited before planning an interforaminal placement of implants, and no sexual dimorphism was found regarding them.

Sexual dimorphism in external morphology of the American bullfrog Rana (Aquarana) catesbeiana and the possibility of sex determination based on tympanic membrane/eye size ratio.

The American bullfrog Rana (Aquarana) catesbeiana has been reported to show significant sexual dimorphism based on the size ratio between the tympanic membrane and the eye. In males the tympanic membrane is much larger than the eye, but not in females. The ratio has been used as a convenient criterion to discriminate sexes (sexing) in the American bullfrog, though its reliability is unknown. In this study, we examined 86 adult American bullfrogs to clarify whether the tympanic membrane long diameter/eye long diameter (Dtm/De) ratio is a reliable index to discriminate sexes in this species. In addition, we examined the growth of this sexually dimorphic trait. Results indicated that there is a significant difference but there is a small overlap in this ratio Dtm/De between sexes. The allometric comparisons showed the sexual dimorphism of the Dtm/De ratio was increased during growth and the dimorphism is attributable to the difference in the growth rate of the tympanic membrane (Dtm). Therefore, sex determination of American bullfrogs cannot be wholly reliably achieved by the Dtm/De ratio alone; other external morphological features are required in addition.

Temperature Modulates Sex-Biased Gene Expression in the Gametophytes of the Kelp Saccharina latissima

Saccharina latissima is an economically and ecologically relevant kelp species in Europe and North America. In kelps, the sexuality is expressed during the haploid life stage and the microscopic gametophytes exhibit significant sexual dimorphism. To understand the sex-dependent impact of temperature on the gametophyte stage, we analyzed for the first time, gene expression profiles of male and female gametophytes at three different temperatures (4°C, 12°C and 20°C) characteristic for the species distribution range by using RNA-sequencing. We identified several differentially expressed genes between sexes; while female biased genes were enriched in general metabolism and energy production, male biased genes function within cell cycle and signaling. In our study, temperature modulated sex-biased gene expression, with only a small percentage of differentially expressed genes consistently male (7%) or female-biased (12%) at the three temperatures. Female gametophytes responded stronger to higher temperatures than males, suggesting that males are more heat tolerant. Differences between S. latissimaand other brown algal gender-dependent gene expression might mirror the different evolutionary and ecological contexts. Genomic information on kelp gametophyte is still scarce and thus this study adds to our knowledge on sex differences in abiotic stress responses in macroalgae at the transcriptomic level.

Adjacent digit fingerprint white line count differences: a pointer to sexual dimorphism for forensic application

BackgroundSex determination is one of the leading criterion in identification and verification of an individual. However, the potential roles of differences in adjacent fingerprint white line count (FWLC) in sex inference are not well elucidated in the literature especially among Hausa population. The study was conducted to determine sexual dimorphism and predict sex using adjacent digit FWLC difference (adj. DFWLCD) among Hausa population of Kano state, Nigeria.MethodsThe study population involved 300 participants. FWLC was determined from a plain fingerprint captured using live scanner. The formula for adj. DFWLCD of thumb and fifth digit is dR15 for right hand. The same applied for possible combination in cephalocaudal direction. Mann-Whitney and t tests were used for comparison of variables between sexes. Binary logistic regression analyses were employed for determination of sex.ResultsWe observed a significantly larger adj. DFWLCD in males compared with females in most of the digit combination. A significant sexual dimorphism was observed in most of the adj. DFWLCD involving ring digit in both right (dR14, dR24, and dR34) and left (dL14, dL24, and dL34). The best discrimination was observed in adjacent FWLC difference of second and fourth digits in both right and left digits (dR24 and dL24). This was further supported by stepwise logistic regression analyses.ConclusionThe adj. DFWLCD exhibits sexual dimorphism. The best prediction potentials were found to be dR24 and dL24 for right and left hands respectively.

Molecular insights into the sex-differential regulation of signal transduction in the cerebral ganglion and metabolism in the hepatopancreas of Eriocheir sinensis during reproduction

The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), an economically valuable crustacean that is popular for its flavor, exhibits catadromous spawning migration. Overfishing and environmental pollution have inflicted serious damage on wild E. sinensis populations, and the Chinese government has banned the commercial fishing of this species in the Yangtze River. Studies have examined the sexual dimorphism in the body size and morphology of crabs, but there are few reports on the molecular regulatory mechanisms that occur during the reproduction of E. sinensis. In this study, we performed the first comparative transcriptome analyses of the cerebral ganglion and hepatopancreas of E. sinensis during reproduction. The results indicate that E. sinensis has significant sexual dimorphism in signal transduction, metabolism, substance transportation, and cellular protection. This study aims to provide information that can be used as a basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms that underlie sexual dimorphism in E. sinensis during reproduction. Furthermore, the results can be used to support the development of the E. sinensis breeding industry and the restoration of wild E. sinensis.

Estimating sex from the seven cervical vertebrae: An analysis of two European skeletal populations

Methods for estimating sex from a variety of skeletal elements is vital in forensic anthropology as many of the traditionally studied bones are often fragmented upon recovery. The current study examined the seven cervical vertebrae to establish an accurate sex estimation method for Europeans. Discriminant functions were developed from the seven cervical vertebrae using the maximum body height (CHT), vertebral foramen anterior-posterior diameter (CAP), and vertebral foramen transverse diameter (CTR). To date, no study has used these variables to estimate sex from human remains. Two hundred and ninety-five adult individuals (157 males, 138 females) from the University of Athens and the Luis Lopes skeletal collections were studied. No population differences were exhibited between the contemporary Greek and historic Portuguese skeletons, indicating that discriminant functions for sex estimation from the cervical vertebrae may not be population- or temporally-specific. The results of this study indicate that only CHT and CTR exhibited statistically significant sexual dimorphism. Seven multivariate discriminant functions were developed with accuracy rates between 80.3% and 84.5%. Cross-validation studies showed that five of the seven functions exhibited strong statistical algorithms. This study will assist with estimating the sex of unknown Europeans from the cervical vertebrae especially in cases where more accurate predictors of sex, such as the skull or the pelvis, are unavailable.

Sexually dimorphic microglia and ischemic stroke.

Ischemic stroke kills more women compared with men thus emphasizing a significant sexual dimorphism in ischemic pathophysiological outcomes. However, the mechanisms behind this sexual dimorphism are yet to be fully understood. It is well established that cerebral ischemia activates a variety of inflammatory cascades and that microglia are the primary immune cells of the brain. After ischemic injury, microglia are activated and play a crucial role in progression and resolution of the neuroinflammatory response. In recent years, research has focused on the role that microglia play in this sexual dimorphism that exists in the response to central nervous system (CNS) injury. Evidence suggests that the molecular mechanisms leading to microglial activation and polarization of phenotypes may be influenced by sex, therefore causing a difference in the pro/anti‐inflammatory responses after CNS injury. Here, we review advances highlighting that sex differences in microglia are an important factor in the inflammatory responses that are seen after ischemic injury. We discuss the main differences between microglia in the healthy and diseased developing, adult, and aging brain. We also focus on the dimorphism that exists between males and females in microglial‐induced inflammation and energy metabolism after CNS injury. Finally, we describe how all of the current research and literature regarding sex differences in microglia contribute to the differences in poststroke responses between males and females.

Urbanization effect on ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

We sampled beetles in different regions of Russia (Tatarstan Republic, Mariy El Republic, Udmurtia Republic, Kemerovo, Sverdlovsk, Stavropol, Cis-Ural provinces) at sites which varied in the level of anthropogenic impact and vegetation. We used linear models to clarify how urbanization affected body size variation in studied species. All of them were palearctic generalists – Carabus granulatus, Carabus cancellatus, Pterostichus melanarius, Pterostichus niger, Poecilus cupreus, and only Carabus aeruginosus was a Siberian one. Beetles we measured for six dimensional traits. In a whole 12000 specimen have been analyzed. Results showed that different traits of Ground Beetles can response to urbanization in opposite directions: e.g. in some studies species factor “city” decreased elytra length, but increased its width and vise versa. Effect of “city” and “suburbs” factors had different directions, e. g. in a given species body size decreased in cities but in suburbs it increased and verse versa. Cognate species, which occupy similar ecological niches, have responded to urbanization in opposite directions. Females and males can respond to urbanization in opposite directions, the latter lead to the significant body size sexual dimorphism in the gradient of urbanization.

Sex matters: Otolith shape and genomic variation in deacon rockfish (Sebastes diaconus).

Little is known about intraspecific variation within the deacon rockfish (Sebastes diaconus), a recently described species found in the northeast Pacific Ocean. We investigated population structure among fish sampled from two nearshore reefs (Siletz Reef and Seal Rock) and one offshore site (Stonewall Bank) within a <50‐km2 area off the Oregon coast. Fish from the three sample sites exhibited small but statistically significant differences based on genetic variation at >15,000 neutral loci, whether analyzed independently or classified into nearshore and offshore groups. Male and females were readily distinguished using genetic data and 92 outlier loci were associated with sex, potentially indicating differential selection between males and females. Morphometric results indicated that there was significant secondary sexual dimorphism in otolith shape, but further sampling is required to disentangle potential confounding influence of age. This study is the first step toward understanding intraspecific variation within the deacon rockfish and the potential management implications. Since differentiation among the three sample sites was small, we consider the results to be suggestive of a single stock. However, future studies should evaluate how the stock is affected by differences in sex, age, and gene flow between the nearshore and offshore environments.

Morphometric Analysis of Craniodental Characters of the House Rat, Rattus rattus (Rodentia: Muridae) in Peninsular Malaysia

Rattus rattus which is believed to be native to India is easily found in all continents of the world. With the absence of R. rattus from lineage I and the presence of lineage IV in Southeast Asia, little is known about how rodent morphology varies biogeographically. We evaluate the skull morphometrics in the population of R. rattus in Peninsular Malaysia and examine the intraspecific variation of the skull by assessing 20 craniodental characters of 130 R. rattus specimens. After observing the correlation matrix, highly correlated characters were removed and the remaining 14 craniodental characters were analysed using the conventional morphometrics method via univariate and multivariate statistics. We assessed the impact of age, sex and geographical factors (latitude, longitude and precipitation) on craniodental size. Male and female specimens were analysed separately since statistically significant sexual dimorphism was present. Males showed greater craniodental measurements compared to females. Three distinct age groups (C2, C3 and C4) were visible in the principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA) plots for male and female specimens. Ages C2 and C3 shared similarities in craniodental measurements while C4 showed variability compared to C2 and C3. None of the geographical factors studied showed statistical significance for both male and female R. rattus. The results obtained from this study could potentially be a yardstick to observe if similar variations in craniodental traits are present in R. rattus from other countries in the Southeast Asian region.

Moult and plumage patterns of the critically endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola) at a stopover site in Korea

Travelling from across its breeding range in northern Eurasia, Yellow-breasted Buntings (Emberiza aureola) stopover in China before migrating to their wintering areas in South-East Asia and the Indian subcontinent. This species is now considered critically endangered because its global population has declined dramatically; moreover, it is overexploited by illegal trapping at its stopover sites during the moult. Currently, two subspecies of the Yellow-breasted Bunting are recognized: aureola and ornata. However, the moult strategies of these subspecies at their stopover sites remain unknown. In the present study, we analysed the moult and plumage patterns of E. a. ornata in Korea (n = 262) between 2005 and 2018 as part of a long-term bird ringing project at a key migrant stopover site. We observed significant sexual dimorphism in the morphological characteristics of both adults and immatures: the males had longer wings, tails, and tarsi, and weighed more than the females. Moult patterns were distinct in relation to age. Adults underwent a complete post-breeding moult, entirely replacing their body and flight feathers before the onset of autumn migration over a breeding range. Remarkably, 93.4% of first-winter birds underwent an eccentric primary moult, having moulted the 3–4 outermost primaries (P6–P9 or P7–P9) before arriving at the stopover site. Males achieve full adult breeding plumage in their second summer. More than three types of median wing coverts were identified in the first-winter males, with various plumage colours and patterns. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the moulting and plumage patterns in the subspecies ornata as it passes through an East Asian migratory flyway stopover site in Korea. Our results will contribute to an understanding of the migration behaviour and subspecies populations that are at risk in their specific environments. This is essential for ecological monitoring to facilitate the conservation of this critically endangered species.

Stature Determination from the Hand Dimensions among the Adolescent Boys and Girls of Ladakhi Population of Jammu and Kashmir (India)

Forensic anthropologists and pathologists have solved various mysteries like identifying victims and documenting crimes. They have identified the remains of decomposed, partially skeletonised and burned victims. For identifications, the parameters like sex, stature, age and ancestry are the foremost essential components. Present cross-sectional study was carried out on 206 Ladakhi subjects (129 males and 77 females) aged between 14 to 19 years by random sampling method. Classifications were done on basis of standards given by Martin &amp; Saller, (1957) and Vallois, (1965). The hand parameters showed significant sexual dimorphism in adolescent boys and girls at (p