Digital dermatoglyphic patterns of Moroccan Arabs: relationships with Mediterranean populations

Dermatoglyphic finger patterns and pattern intensity were examined in a sample of 204 (105 males and 99 females) adults from the authochthonous Arab population of south central Morocco. No significant sex differences were found for the overall finger pattern incidence or for the pattern intensity index. A high incidence of arches is the most remarkable characteristic of this population as compared to other Mediterranean groups. The significant differences from two previous sets of Moroccan data indicate a remarkable heterogeneity within the present day Moroccan population. Also important is the differentiation of this sample from other north African ethnic groups such as Berbers and Tuaregs. An analysis of the dermatoglyphic relationships using R-matrix analysis, shows a relative proximity between this Moroccan series and other southwest European groups as compared to north African populations.