Genetical distance and dermatoglyphic characters. III. Dermatoglyphic distances within twin pairs, between left and right sides and between normals and 21-trisomics.

The dermatoglyphic (genetical) distance coefficients have been estimated within monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs, between left and right sides of the same individual and between normal subjects and 21-trisomics. All the coefficients have been based, in turn, on frequencies of fingertip, palmar and sole pattern elements, separately and for all characters combined. Quantitative variables (pattern intensities) have also been used for independent evaluation of the C2H distance coefficient in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, and in 21-trisomics as compared with normal individuals. The values of a distance have then been considered in relation to the degree of genetical likeness between the compared items as well as to the relative contribution of each pattern combination to the overall value of a distance. Some limitations in the interpretation of the results, connected mainly with statistical procedures, are also discussed.