Comparison of Whorl Types on the Palms of Macaca mulatta From the Taihang Mountains (Central China)

Background and objectives: The object of the present research is a study of the palmar whorls, Several unique features are characteristic for the palmar whorls of Macaca mulatta from the Taihang Mountains in central China. Materials and Methods: By direct observation striking dermatoglyphs were obtained from 65 specimens comprising 22 males and 43 females. Results: The whorls in the interdigital II-IV areas on the palms of Macaca mulatta demonstrate a significant bilateral difference. On the left palm the major pattern is Wr constituting nearly 82.4% of the whorl patterns, while approximately 65.6% of the right palm is occupied by Wu. Conclusions: The results showed that the Wr on the left palm and the Wu on the right palm might be bilaterally symmetrical. A comparison between Macaca mulatta and Macaca fuscata showed that in both species the characteristics of the palmar whorls are very similar. Genetic factors play an important role, while environmental factors should not be neglected. [Zhao Xiao-jin, Wang Feng-chan, Li Li-guo. Comparison of Whorl Types on the Palms of Macaca mulatta From the Taihang Mountains (Central China). Life Sci J 2012;9(3):2185-2189] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 315 Keyword:-Macaca mulatta; dermatoglyphics; palmar whorls; asymmetry.