Investigating the Inheritance Patterns and Potential Associations of Selected Human Morphogenetic Traits

Abstract

This research analyses the distribution, inheritance patterns, and potential associations between various physical characteristics(Handedness, Hand-clasping, Tongue-rolling, tongue folding and Hitchhiker’s thumb, Mid-phalangeal hair, bent little finger, Cleft chin, Widow’s peak, earlobe attachment & Dimpled cheeks) in students from the Faculty of Agriculture Sciences. The Chi-square was used of independence to assess inheritance patterns and potential links. The findings reveal interesting patterns: some recessive traits viz; Mid-phalangeal hair, bent little finger, Cleft chin, Widow’s peak, earlobe attachment & Dimpled cheeks were more common than their dominant counterparts. In contrast, dominant features such as handedness, hand-clasping, tongue-rolling, tongue folding, and hitchhiker's thumb were found more frequently. There is also a significant relationship between morphogenetic features (tongue rolling, mid-phalangeal hair, and widow's peak) and gender. This investigation has implications for several disciplines, including human genetics, forensics, and anthropology. Establishing a baseline for this specific population size group allows for future investigation into human variety and the intriguing realm of inheritance.