FRINGER RIDGE COUNT ASSESSMENT OF IGBO AND YALA ETHNIC GROUPS OF NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Dermatoglyphics, the scientific study of epidermal ridge patterns on the fingers, palms, and soles, has been widely used in anthropology, genetics, and forensic science to investigate population diversity and biological variation among human groups. Fingerprint ridge counts, particularly the fringer ridge count, represent an important quantitative dermatoglyphic parameter used to assess genetic differences and similarities among ethnic populations. This study was conducted to assess and compare the fringer ridge counts of individuals belonging to the Igbo and Yala ethnic groups of Nigeria in order to determine possible dermatoglyphic variations between the two populations. A comparative cross-sectional research design was employed for the study. A total of 200 participants were selected using simple random sampling, consisting of 100 individuals of Igbo origin and 100 individuals of Yala origin. Both male and female participants aged between 18 and 60 years were included in the study. Fingerprint impressions were collected from all ten digits of each participant using an ink pad and recording sheet. The fringer ridge count for each finger was determined by identifying the core and triradius of the fingerprint pattern and counting the number of ridges intersecting the line drawn between these two points. The Total Finger Ridge Count (TFRC) was subsequently calculated for each participant. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including mean, standard deviation, frequency distribution, and Student’s t-test. The results revealed that loops were the most predominant fingerprint pattern among both ethnic groups, followed by whorls and arches. The Igbo population demonstrated slightly higher mean ridge counts in several digits compared with the Yala population. Male participants generally exhibited higher ridge counts than female participants in both ethnic groups. Statistical analysis indicated that some of the observed differences in ridge counts between the Igbo and Yala populations were statistically significant, while others were not. The findings of this study suggest that dermatoglyphic characteristics such as ridge count distribution may vary between ethnic groups due to genetic and developmental factors. These variations provide useful information for anthropological classification, population genetics, and forensic identification. The study therefore contributes to the growing body of knowledge on dermatoglyphic diversity among Nigerian ethnic groups. It Is recommended that further dermatoglyphic studies be conducted among additional Nigerian populations using larger sample sizes and advanced digital fingerprint analysis techniques in order to expand the available database on ethnic dermatoglyphic variations in Nigeria