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Anthropometric multivariate structure and dermatoglyphic peculiarities in biochemically and morphologically different
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|June 1, 1986
Summary
Human heterozygosity, measured by blood group diversity, correlates with morphological variability. This study suggests heterozygotes cluster centrally in multivariate distributions, indicating a link between genetic diversity and physical traits.
Area of Science:
- Human genetics
- Anthropometry
- Population genetics
Background:
- Genetic diversity, specifically heterozygosity, is crucial for understanding human variation.
- Morphological and dermatoglyphic traits can reflect underlying genetic structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationship between heterozygosity at blood group loci and human morphological variability.
- To investigate correlations between dermatoglyphic patterns and biochemical/anthropometric variables.
Main Methods:
- Multivariate analysis including discriminant analysis and principal component analysis.
- Examination of 18 traits encompassing blood group loci, anthropometric measurements, and dermatoglyphic patterns.
- Calculation of communality, index of integration, and Mahalanobis distances.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in morphologically multimodal individuals was observed, paralleling heterozygosity levels.
- Multivariate analysis indicated distinct structures for homozygous and heterozygous individuals, supporting central clustering of heterozygotes.
- Dermatoglyphic patterns showed some association with morphology, but correlations with biochemical heterozygosity were irregular.
Conclusions:
- Heterozygosity at blood group loci is associated with morphological variability in human populations.
- Genetic diversity influences an individual's position within a multivariate trait distribution.
- While dermatoglyphics relate to morphology, their direct link to biochemical heterozygosity is complex and requires further investigation.