Distribution of different minutiae in thumbprint and its application to determine sex distinctions

Abstract

Abstract Background The present study is an attempt to explore the distribution of different minutiae in two topological areas of thumbprint and its application to determine sex distinctions. Methods For this purpose, a sample of 100 subjects (50 males and 50 females) ranging in age from 18 years to 25 years were taken from the Shimla (North India). A modified standardized method was adopted to count and classify 20 different types of minutiae. Results Findings of the study indicated that the frequency of thumbprint minutiae was higher among males than their female counterparts. Ridge endings were the most frequently occurring minutiae followed by bifurcation and convergence in both the sexes. No M-B was noticed among female participant, while negligible percentage (0.04%) of males exhibited M-B. The mean values of most of the minutiae were found to be higher in the outer circle than inner circle of the thumbprint in both the sexes. Lower frequency of ridge ending (< 20 for right hand and 31–40 for both right and left hand), convergence (< 10 for both right and left hand), and bifurcation (< 10 and 31–40 for right hand and < 20 for left hand) have higher probability of female origin. While higher frequency of ridge ending (> 60 for right hand and > 50 for left hand), convergence (> 20 for both right and left hand) and bifurcation (> 40 for right hand and > 30 for left hand) was more likely of male origin. Conclusions Findings of present study identified sex distinction in the distribution of minutiae with respect to the topological areas on the thumbprint.