title: Geographic variation of six dermatoglyphic traits in Eurasia.
abstract: We describe the geographic variation patterns of six dermatoglyphic traits from 144 samples in Eurasia. The methods of analysis include computation of interpolated surfaces, one-dimensional and directional correlograms, correlations between all pairs of surfaces, and distances between correlograms. There are at least two, probably three, distinct and significant patterns of variation. 1) A general NW-SE trend for pattern intensity, the main line index, and frequency of hypothenar patterns. 2) A trend from the Middle East to the north and east for frequency of axial triradius and of accessory interdigital triradii. 3) A patchy pattern for frequency of the thenar-interdigital 1. The results are compatible with a diffusion process between Europe and the peoples of Northern Asia, and possibly with a radiation of populations from the Middle East. The hypothesis of diffusion processes is supported by substantial interpopulation correlations between dermatoglyphic traits that contrast sharply with largely negligible intralocality correlations.
authors: Department of Ecology and Evolution, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794-5245.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Sokal
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Livshits
mesh_terms: D001208:Asia; D003878:Dermatoglyphics / Q000145:classification*; D005060:Europe; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male