Dermatoglyphic Studies of Fulani and Yoruba Ethnic Groups with Third Generational History in Kwara and Oyo States, Nigeria

Abstract

Dermatoglyphic traits are genetically determined and remain constant until decomposition after death. This study aimed to use dermatoglyphics as a means for ethnic differentiation. The volunteers were Fulani (male 32 and female 28) and Yoruba (male 27 and female 33) from Kwara state and University of Ibadan community respectively. Fingerprints were obtained with Dermalog LF10 fingerprint scanner Hamburg, Germany. Stata was used for T-test and ANOVA. Ulnar loop was predominant in dermatoglyphs of the two ethnic groups (Fulani 38.20%, Yoruba 38.90%). Whorl (Fulani 24.50%, Yoruba 23.50%), Radial loop (Fulani 25.40%, Yoruba 22.60%) and Arch (Fulani 11.90%, Yoruba 15%) were distributed in that order. The gender distribution of patterns in this study were: Arch (male 11.08%, female 16.30%), radial loop (male 24.72%, female 23.5%), ulnar loop (male 39.90%, female 37.50%), whorl (male 24.3%, female 22.7%). Whorl is significantly distributed in both sexes of the two-ethnic group (P<0.005).  Bifurcation distribution was predominant in both tribes and opposed bifurcation is the least minutiae type in both ethnic groups. Most minutiae revealed significant difference between Fulani and Yoruba except short ridges, dot, ridge ending, and spur. Arch differentiates Fulani and Yoruba, whorl showed sexual dimorphism.  Level two details could be a possible marker of ethnic differentiation between Fulani and Yoruba of Nigeria.