Earprint and fingerprint patterns among two ethnic groups in South Southern Nigerian

Abstract

The study investigated earprint and fingerprint patterns among the Urhobos’ and Ibos’ residing in Warri, South Southern Nigeria. The  study was a descriptive crossectional study which involved 40 Urhobos’ and 40Ibos’, aged 18years and above. Ear and fingerprint patterns were obtained with a Hewlett placard G4010 Photo scanner. Chi square test was used for categorical variables and a T test was used to compare means of dermatoglyphic variables. Statistical evaluation was done using SPSS 20 Software Version. Significance was accepted at  P<0.05 Findings showed that the ulnar loop was predominant while the radial loop was least observed in the studied population (70%,1.3%). Earprints that were common in the studied population were Type V and VI (7.5%, 38.8%). Type VII and VIII were frequent in the Ibos’ while Type I and III were perculiar with the Urhobos’ (X² = 2.804; P = 0.903). The arches found on the left fingers were significantly  different among the two ethnic groups (p= 0.003). There was also a significant difference in fingerprint patterns observed on the left  middle and little finger alongside AFRC of the right and left little finger among the respective tribes (p=0.009; 0.012; 0.031; 0.007). Sexual dimorphism was observed in fingerprint patterns and TFRC among the Ibos’ (p=0.001; 0.001). Ear and fingerprint patterns vary among ethnic groups and can be used in criminology and forensic science.