Sexual Dimorphism from Palmprint Ridge Density among Malaysian Tamils for Person Identification

Abstract

Background: Fingerprints and palmprints form a valuable physical evidence in the scenes of crime. Palmprint ridge density is a vital tool used for person identification during forensic investigation. Palmprints are found impressed on the surface when a person touches a surface. Aim and Objectives: This research was aimed to investgate the ridge density on six areas in a palmprint on both sides among Malaysian Tamils for person identification. Material and Methods: This study sample consisted of 280 adult Malaysian Tamils including140 males and 140 females. By inking technique 560 palmprint samples were collected from the subjects for sexual dimorphism analysis. The six prominent areas on the palmprints were chosen that included Thenar region (P1), Hypothenar region (P2), Triradius of second digit (P3), Triradius of fifth digit (P4), Triradius of third digit (P5) and Triradius of fourth digit (P6) for examination. Results: The results revealed that the mean palmprint ridge density was significantly greater in females (10.26-12.03) than males (9.57-11.26) in all the designated areas (P1 to P6). The ridge density in the left hand was not the mirror image of right hand, showing the bilateral asymmetry. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that palmprint ridge density was sexually dimorphic among Malaysian Tamil population.

Keywords

• forensic anthropoogy
• palmprint
• sexual dimorphism
• malaysian tamil