Digit ratio
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
|
Related e |
|
Featured: |
The digit ratio is the ratio of the lengths of different digits or fingers typically measured from the midpoint of bottom crease where the finger joins the hand to the tip of the finger. It has been suggested by some scientists that the ratio of two digits in particular, the 2nd (index finger) and 4th (ring finger), is affected by exposure to androgens e.g. testosterone while in the uterus and that this 2D:4D ratio can be considered a crude measure for prenatal androgen exposure, with lower 2D:4D ratios pointing to higher androgen exposure. The 2D:4D ratio is calculated by dividing the length of the index finger of the right hand by the length of the ring finger. A longer index finger will result in a ratio higher than 1, while a longer ring finger will result in a ratio of less than 1.
The 2D:4D digit ratio is sexually dimorphic: while the second digit is typically shorter in both females and males, the difference between the lengths of the two digits is greater in males than females.
A number of studies have shown a correlation between the 2D:4D digit ratio and various physical and behavioral traits.
See also
- Bem Sex-Role Inventory
- Anogenital distance
- Waist–hip ratio
- Dermatoglyphics
- Body mass index
- Handedness and sexual orientation
- Chiromancy — Pseudoscientific Hand analysis
- Prenatal testosterone transfer
- Prenatal hormones and sexual orientation
- Hirsutism
- Diastema
