Dermatoglyphics from all Chinese ethnic groups reveal geographic patterning.

ABSTRACT: Completion of a survey of dermatoglyphic variables for all ethnic groups in an ethnically diverse country like China is a huge research project, and an achievement that anthropological and dermatoglyphic scholars in the country could once only dream of. However, through the endeavors of scientists in China over the last 30 years, the dream has become reality. This paper reports the results of a comprehensive analysis of dermatoglyphics from all ethnic groups in China. Using cluster analysis and principal component analysis of dermatoglyphics, it has been found that Chinese populations can be generally divided into a southern group and a northern group. Furthermore, there has been considerable debate about the origins of many Chinese populations and about proper assignment of these peoples

SUBMITTER: Zhang HG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2808343 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature