Dermatoglyphics in the south Wales coalfield: an analysis of genetic variation

Abstract

In Chapter I, the subject of dermatoglyphics was introduced, and the aims of the present study outlined: to establish the range of local variation of various dermatoglyphic traits in the South Wales Coalfield and surrounding areas. Chapter II described the area studied in more detail, paying, attention to its physical geography and historical demography. In Chapter III, the sample itself was introduced, problems and methods of sampling touched upon and procedures for the analysis and interpretation of dermatographic prints presented, mentioning problems of classification and the current ideas on the mode of inheritance of the various traits. Chapter IV dealt with the analysis of the data collected. The distribution of the data sets v/as first described using univariate procedures, and then the inter-relationships between the sub- populations created investigated, using multivariate procedures, in particular the Generalised Distance statistic of Aahalanobis (D(^2)). The findings of the statistical analysis were discussed in Chapter V, and placed in the context of other investigations of dermatoplyphic variation and previous studies of genetic variation in Wales. An attempt was made to account for the pattern of local hetoroneneity disclosed by the study and the degree of care which should be exercised in the delineation of local populations in any study of Genetic relationships also emphasised.