Association of the digit ratio (2D: 4D) with sexually dimorphic morphological traits

ABSTRACT

The length ratio of the second to the fourth finger (2D4D) is a possible biomarker of prenatal sex hormone levels, which play a significant role in determining the sex-related body traits. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the 2D4D ratio and morphological characteristics, related to sexual dimorphism. We analyzed a group of Russian males (N = 169) and females (N = 193) aged between 17 and 27 years (with mean ages of 18.6±1.50 and 18.9±1.85, respectively) for the association between the 2D4D ratio and a wide range of morphological characteristics, some of which were considered in this aspect for the first time. The 2D4D ratio in males was significantly lower than in females (p ˂ 0.000). A highly statistically significant correlation was found between 2D4D and sexually dimorphic morphological traits in the total sample. The association of 2D4D ratio with morphological signs of masculinity/femininity within male and female samples were revealed only as a trend, which was more distinct for the functional indicators (handgrip strength)

RESUMEN

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