Genetic rules for the dermatoglyphics of human fingertips and their role in spouse selection: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE We assessed the genetic rules for the dermatoglyphics of human fingertips. We also evaluated the correlation between spouse selection with the number of whorls on fingertips. METHODS Data were collected for the number of whorls from 118 families (couples and their children). Distribution of whorls was analyzed further to investigate the relationship between heredity and spouse selection. RESULTS Through multiple regression analysis, we found that the number of whorls on fingertips was affected considerably by genetic factors. In a married couple with a moderate number of whorls, the probability of their children having a high number of whorls was 26.5 %, and the probability of their children having a low number of whorls was 23.5. These values were close to the theoretical value (25 %). A significant correlation between whorl count between spouses was observed. CONCLUSION These data suggest that whorls are inherited from a single gene or a group of closely linked genes. Our findings provide an initial insight on the potential contribution of biologic characteristics on spouse selection.