Multivariate analysis of head measurements in Punjabi families

Four head measurements (head length, head breadth, frontal breadth and head height) have been compared in relatives of different degrees from samples of 200 Punjabi and 125 Belgian families. A method of generalized distances is used which allows examination of the proportions of the head as a whole. The values of the generalized distances between concordant and discordant twins are compared with those between brothers, sisters, siblings, parents-and-children, and parents. The results strongly support the influence of genetic factors, but also demonstrate environmental influence.