Topological description of Easter Islander palmar dermatoglyphics

Abstract

A sample of 594 Easter Islander palms was analyzed according to the topological method. Some suggestions for clarification of the topological approach were made, including clearer definition of the palmar triradii and substitution of the term “profile” for “formula.” The frequency of Easter Islander profiles was compared against British and Australian Aborigine samples (Loesch, 1974; 1983a,b) and found to be significantly different for two of the ten most common combinations. The individual pattern elements, pattern intensities, a‐b count, A‐line exit, and atd angle were described, with population comparisons made when they were available. Copyright © 1986 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company