COMPARISON OF DIGITAL PATTERNS AT LEVEL 2 OF IKWERRE AND KALABARI PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Paul Chikwuogwo Wokpeogu and Paul John Nwolim*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Dermatoglyphics is defined as the branch of science which studies the patterns of the skin (dermal) ridges present on human fingers, toes and the soles (Mendenhall et al., 1989). Level 2 details of dermatoglyphics treat the subject at its minutest detail and is the basis for identification of human subjects. This study is therefore aimed at determining the level 2 details and comparing whether Kalabari and Ikwerre ethnic groups exhibit ethnic variations. Materials and Methods: The study was an analytical cross-sectional research. 82 (Ikwerre 52, Kalabari 30) subjects were recruited for the study.Simple random sampling with chi square and z-test tool analysis. Results: Comparisons of the patterns between both tribes have shown a great deal of difference statistically. In the females, there were statistical significance (p<0.05) in the distribution of bifurcation, Dot, Lake, Double Bifurcation, Ridge ending and Ridge crossing on the right while on the left there was also statistical significance (p<0.05) except for Dot, Lake and Double Bifurcation (P>0.05). Conclusion: The result of the study has shown that there is difference in the distribution of the patterns between the two tribes which have been attributed to nutritional difference at the formative stage of the patterns.

Keywords: Level 2; Bifurcation, Double Bifurcation; Ridge Ending; Ridge Crossing.