Anthropometric Study of the Index (2 nd ) and Ring (4 th ) Digits in Ebira Ethnic Group of Nigeria

Abstract: The Anthropometric Study of Index (2D) and Ring (4D) Digits of Ebira tribe of Nigeria was carried out to determine the values of the 2D and 4D digit ratios and correlate them with other anthropometric variables. Six hundred adults between ages of 18 years and above were recruited randomly excluding those with hand deformities. Three hundred were males and three hundred were females and of these numbers, one hundred males and one hundred females students were selected from each of the participating areas. The index (2D) and ring (4D) digit lengths were measured from the basal crease to the tips using a digital measuring tape and the height and weight were measured. The 2D:4D ratios were then determined for each subject while the height and weight were used to calculate the BMI and the data analyzed. The results show significant difference (p<0.01) in 2D:4D ratio between the males and the females. Males have longer fourth (4D) and shorter second (2D) digit lengths with lower digit ratio while females have shorter fourth (4D) and longer second (2D) digit lengths with higher digit ratio. The result confirms that digit ratios are sexually dimorphic and there was a positive correlation between height, weight, BMI and digit lengths in both males and females. The result of the 2D:4D ratios of the Ebira ethnic group show that the 2D:4D ratio of females was greater than the digit ratio of the males and also the digit ratio has no relationship with either height, weight or BMI of an individual and represents the original data for the people of the Ebira tribe of Nigeria