Sex variation in fingerprint ridge counts in Filipinos

Abstract

The degree of sex differences varies in different ancestral groups. Therefore, dermatoglyphic research on sexual dimorphism has focused on pattern and metric variation among different geographic populations [5] ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this research was to derive probability formulae based on ridge counts (RC) that could be used to contribute to sex determination in human identification. Methods: A modified technique of obtaining RC that is not influenced by finger patterns was employed. RC from fingerprints of 200 male and 200 female Filipinos aged 18-57 years were collected and analyzed statistically. Results: Males had lower RC compared to females, and there were differences in RC per digit as well. Odds for sex discrimination were obtained for the thumb (15 or less is more likely to be male; 20 or more is more likely to be female), index finger (20 or less is more likely to be male, 22 or more is more likely to be female), middle finger (20 or less is more likely to be male; 23 or more is more likely to be female), ring finger (18 or less is more likely to be male; 22 or more is more likely to be female), little finger (20 or less is more likely to be male; 24 or more is more likely to be female), and when the digit was unknown (19 or less is more likely to be male; 21 or more is more likely to be female). Conclusion: Given the overall range of probabilities (P = 0.60-1.00), the formulae based on RC may be used to assist in sex determination of unidentified fingerprints in the Philippine setting.

Sex variations in thumbprint ridge count of a Nigerian population in Calabar Municipality

“…This may help in sex discrimination in forensic cases when thumbprints are of unknown sources. However, Taduran et al, (2017) warned that it should be used with caution because ridge count mean values of the thumb are much lower compared to the other fingers, which could lead to misclassification of a female as a male and vice versa.…”