Sexual Dimorphism from Fingerprint Ridge Density among KagayAnons of Philippines for Forensic Application

Abstract

Hand morphology and fingerprint patterns form a valuable tool for person identification. Sex identification
is a vital role in forensic and medico legal investigations. Determination of sex or gender of an individual is
important because it can help in the forensic investigators to identify the suspect if male or female based on
the ridge density of handprint or palm print. The present study used fingerprints collected fromKagay-anon
population for determination of gender through ridge density. A total of 4000fingerprints (200 males and
200 females) were collected and analyzed using the “Acree” method of ridge density counting within 5mm
x 5mm square area calculated the ridge density. The mean ridge density iscomparatively higher in females
(12.39-14.14) than males (11.06-11.87) in the fingerprints of the study population. The results are presented
in the form of tables and graphs.