Dermatoglyphic pattern is an Indicator for Assessing the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of Medical Undergraduates in A North Indian Medical College

Abstract

Introduction: The intelligence quotient (IQ) levels and dermal ridge patterns on the volar surfaces of digits and palms of different individuals may be related because brain developed from 13th to 21st week and during same time-period the dermal groove developed. Neocortex is a higher center for learning and of intelligence, so there is association between Intelligence level and patterns of fingerprints. So, this study was conducted to find out the different dermatoglyphic patterns of fingers and palms and correlate them to the IQ levels of medical undergraduates. Materials and Methods: Fingers and palms prints of both the hands of 150 medical students of 18-24 years were collected with help of ink pad and A4 size of paper. The fingers and palms prints were studied using hand held magnifying lens and their IQ levels assessed using Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices. Results: The most common finger patterns e.g. single whorl in thumb, ulnar loop in index finger and middle finger of both sides and were found on participants having Grade I Intelligence. More males shown higher IQ and belonged to Class A IQ i.e. grade I and Grade II however in lower IQ the males and females were equally distributed and belonged to Class B i.e. Grade III, IV, V. Most common finger patterns i.e. single whorl in thumb and ulnar loop in index on both right and left side were found in the participants having Grade I & II Intelligence. Conclusion: Students with Grade I and II IQ has higher incidence of whorl followed by loop whereas in participants with IQ level of Grade III onwards, loop was the most common pattern followed by whorl. Asymmetry in patterns on both the side of fingerprint was evident in lower IQ levels. Higher values of mean ‘a-b’ ridge count and mean ‘atd’ angle was higher in individuals with low IQ level. So, it can be concluded that the dermatoglyphic pattern and IQ levels are associated.