Are fingerprints a genetic marker for handedness?

Fingerprints and handedness were measured in 2169 subjects. Left-handers were more likely to have an increased number of arches and radial loops, while having fewer whorls and lower pattern intensity than right-handers. Analyzing by hand and digit, the differences were most marked on the left hand, which showed significant differences on four of the five digits which were related to handedness. On the right-hand, handedness was associated with fingerprint patterns only on digit IV (ring finger). This finding suggests a genetic mechanism in the development of handedness and may provide a means of separating pathological from natural left-handers.