Dermatoglyphic variation among Finno-Ugric speaking populations: Methodological alternatives

摘要: Utilization of dermatoglyphics for population studies is apparently increasing, but methods vary widely among investigators. We investigate how different types dermatoglyphic data can affect estimates biological distance Finno-Ugric speaking populations. Dermatoglyphic distances were calculated using the following categories traits: 1) Finger ridge-counts (radial and ulnar count each digit), 2) finger (largest 3) pattern types, 4) palm ridge-counts, 5) patterns, 6) main-line terminations. In addition, we compare our with those Heet, which rely heavily on summary characters. Distances are evaluated by comparing them to other language geographic distances. There considerable variation in relationships resulting from variable sets. variables, whether or classifications, agree well other. Palm main-lines, variables show moderate agreement other, while poorly all sets except main-lines. Heet's distances. patterns main-lines most closely related distances, after controlling geography, correlations geography generally disappear language. have weak associations geography. yield results best historical Our make it very clear that utilization requires careful consideration methods, measures quantitative qualitative should be used caution. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.