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Citation: Anthony John Umoyen et al (2021). The Inheritance Pattern of Some Human Morphogenetic and Serological Traits
among Two Nigerian Ethnic Groups in Akwa-Ibom State. Sch Int J Anat Physiol, 4(6): 65-74.
65
Scholars International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology
Abbreviated Key Title: Sch Int J Anat Physiol
ISSN 2616-8618 (Print) |ISSN 2617-345X (Online)
Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Journal homepage: https://saudijournals.com
Original Research Article
The Inheritance Pattern of Some Human Morphogenetic and Serological
Traits among Two Nigerian Ethnic Groups in Akwa-Ibom State
Anthony John Umoyen1*, Nseobong Godwin Akpan2, Gabriel Inaku Abu3, Tentishe Luka Thomas4 and Uba Uyokei5
1Human Genetics and Genomics Unit, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of
Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
3Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of
Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
4Department of Biological Sciences, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria
5National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Niger State, Nigeria
DOI: 10.36348/sijap.2021.v04i06.001 | Received: 21.04.2021 | Accepted: 25.05.2021 | Published: 14.06.2021
*Corresponding author: Anthony John Umoyen
Abstract
Background: A population is characterized by a set of gene(s) controlling traits and these traits are essential prerequisite
for studying genetic diversity in human population. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the distribution,
inheritance patterns of morphogenetic, serological traits; and also association of these traits within the two ethnic groups.
Methods: The distribution of morphogenetic, serological traits were studied among the Ibibio and Ananng in Ikono and
Oruk Anam respectively using a total of 1200 participants. Thirteen traits were accessed. Standard methodology was used
to collect data and analyzed. Results: The distribution of morphogenetic traits amongst the two populations were 96.67%,
68.83%, 56.08%, 35.58% and 17.50% for right handedness, free earlobe, tongue rollers, bent little fingers and dimpled
cheeks respectively. The Ibibio’s right handedness, left handedness and ambidextrous were 96.33%, 3.17% and 0.5%;
while for the Ananng’s were 97.00%, 2.67% and 0.33% respectively. There were significant association between
morphogenetic traits (tongue folding and bent little finger) and ethnicity. Also dimples, widow’s peak and Rhesus factor
were significantly associated with sex. The distribution of serological traits amongst the two populations was 50.67%,
20.17%, 18.33%, 10.83%, 93.17%, 6.83%,74.92%, 24.67% and 0.42% for blood group O, B, A, AB, rhesus positive,
rhesus negative, genotype AA, AS and SS respectively. Conclusion: The frequency of the different morphogenetic and
serological phenotypes varied in the two ethnic groups. Dimples, widow’s peak and Rhesus factor were significantly
associated with sex. This study will serve as base-line information for further studies.
Keywords: Morphological characters, Inheritance patterns, Blood groups, genotypes, Ethnic groups.
Copyright © 2021 The Author(s): This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
License (CC BY-NC 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial use provided the original
author and source are credited.
INTRODUCTION
Morphogenetic variations occur among living
organisms of the same population [1]. Majority of
morphogenetic characters are mostly inherited in simple
Mendelian pattern as either autosomal dominant or
autosomal recessive [1, 2].
Morphogenetic traits are observable
genetically inherited traits that can be transmitted from
parents to offspring [1-3]. Genetics factors and/or
environment factors bring about genetic variations
within individuals of the same species; like the Homo
sapiens in association with migration, assortment,
genetic drift and gene flow [1- 4]. Human genetics
deals with the study of inheritance as it occurs in human
populations and their relevance in understanding human
diversity cannot be diminished [1-6]. The continuous
researches in the field of human genetics have made
great socio-economic contribution to human welfare [3-
6]. The mechanisms underlining genetic control of
inheritance of these morphogenetic traits are poorly
understood and remain puzzling or unclear.
Genotype is the genetic makeup of an
organism. Individual’s genotype (either AA or AS or
SS) and blood group (A, B, AB and O/ Rhesus factor
[Rh+ and Rh-]) differ amidst many morphogenetic
traits, but some traits are more commonly expressed in
different populations [2, 3, 6-8]. Genotype, blood
groups and rhesus (Rh) factor are sometimes known as
serological traits [8]. Ethnic variations in serological
traits, digito-palmar dermatoglyphics and other
Anthony John Umoyen et al; Sch Int J Anat Physiol, Jun., 2021; 4(6): 65-74
© 2021 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 66
morphometric traits are of immense benefits to
evolutional biologist, anthropologist, human geneticist,
clinicians, blood transfusion services and policy makers
[1-9]. Studies have been documented on the
relationship between serological traits and the
prevalence of some human diseases like Malaria [9,
10], duodenal ulcer [11, 12], cancer [13], etc. Also,
sexual dimorphism and ethnic variations of fingerprints
patterns revealed genetic admixture in some
populations like northern Sinai tribes [14], Kosovo;
between Albanian and Turkish populations [15].
Additionally, close anthropological patterns of
morphogenetic traits like digital ridges were similar
among indigenous black Zimbabweans, Malawians, and
some South Africans [16].
The Ibibio ethnic group is the fourth largest
ethnic group in Nigeria and the Ananng ethnic group is
close relatives to the Ibibios with respect to origin and
language [17]. Numerous researches on the inheritance
pattern of morphogenetic and serological traits in
Nigeria among different ethnic groups are documented
[1-5, 7-8, 18-20], but none in Ibibio and Ananng ethnic
groups to the best of our knowledge. Against this
backdrop, there is an urgent need for the documentation
on the inheritance patterns of some human
morphogenetic and serological traits among these two
Nigerian ethnic groups (Ibibio and Ananng) in Akwa
Ibom State. Therefore, specific objectives are to
evaluate the distribution, inheritance patterns of some
human morphogenetic, serological traits; and to
determine association between these selected traits
among the Ibibio and Ananng ethnic groups in Ikono/
Oruk Anam, South-south Nigeria.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study design and area
This research was a cross-sectional survey,
made up of indigenous individuals within Ediene clan
(Ibibio ethnic group); in Ikono Local Government Area
and selected communities in Orok Anam Local
Government Area (Ananng ethnic group), Akwa Ibom
State, and Nigeria. Ikono Local Government Area is
bounded on the north by Ini Local Government Area,
south by Abak and Uyo Local Government Areas, east
by Itu and west by Ikot Ekpene Local Government
Area. The Local Government Area has a landmass of
407.16 square kilometers; with a total population of
131,904; comprising 62,403 females and 69,501 males
according to the 2006 national census [21]. Oruk Anam
have common boundaries with Ukanafun and Abak
Local Government Areas in the north, Ikot Abasi in the
south, Mkpat Enin in the east and in the west by
Ukanafun and Imo river running through the borderline
of Rivers State and Abia State. Oruk Anam Local
Government Area has a landmass of 512 square
kilometers; with a total population of 172,654;
comprising 86,239 males and 86,415 females [21].
Ethical considerations
Ethical approval was obtained in accordance
with the Helsinki declaration; from the Akwa Ibom
State Ministry of Health Research Ethical Review
Board, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria before the
commencement of this research.
Study population and recruitment of participants
A total of 1200 participants were randomly
recruited for this study between the ages of 6 years to
94 years in Ikono and Oruk Anam Local Government
Areas (LGAs) of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Six
hundred (600) participants were recruited from six
selected villages namely Osuk-Ediene, Ikot Oku
Ediene, Uyo Afiah Nkan, Uyo Obio, Afiah Ediene and
Ikot Ediah; all in Ediene clan, Ikono Local Government
Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Also 600
participants were recruited from six selected villages
namely Ikot Offiong, Ikot Akam, Ikot Atim, Ikot
Affangeh, Ibesit Okpokoro and Ikot Essien; all in Orok
Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
These villages were homogenous populations
comprising mainly the indigenous people. The less than
1% non-indigenous people were not selected for this
study. Written and informed consent were taken from
all participants. They also fulfilled both inclusion and
exclusion criteria for the study.
Inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria
Only individuals who are indigenes of Ikono
and Oruk-Anam Local Government Areas of Akwa
Ibom State were recruited for this study. Individuals
from other ethnic groups residing in Ikono and Oruk-
Anam Local Government Areas were excluded from the
study. Individuals with deformity in their fingers, faces
and intentionally craved hair-lining were not allowed to
participate in the study. In addition, participants who
refused to participate and/or fully cooperate with all
guidelines of this study were also excluded.
Questionnaire and determination of simple
morphogenetic traits
A simple structured questioner were
administered to participants, for collection of social-
demographic variable (sex, ethnicity, age, etc) and other
relevant information. In recording and observing of
some morphogenetic traits, various standard techniques
were used [22]. For tongue folding and tongue rolling,
each individual was asked to perform the activity,
however each person was classified as folder or none-
folder and roller or non-roller respectively depending
on their ability to either fold or turn up the laterals
edges of their tongue. Meanwhile, in the cases of
earlobe, dimples, hand clasping, cleft chin, mid-
phalangeal hair, bent little fingers, widow’s peak and
handedness, physical observations were carried out and
results recorded accordingly. Observed variations in
participants were assigned dominant or recessive
according to documented research [2, 22].
Anthony John Umoyen et al; Sch Int J Anat Physiol, Jun., 2021; 4(6): 65-74
© 2021 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 67
Determination of serological traits
Laboratory analysis of blood samples was
carried out at the Department of Medical Laboratory
Sciences, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of
Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria. Blood grouping,
rhesus factors and genotyping were carried out using
blood samples collected from each participant through
vein puncture. The blood samples were stored
temporarily in refrigerated heparanised containers
pending laboratory analysis. Blood group and rhesus
factors were investigated by following the protocols as
documented [3, 8]. The red blood cells were typed for
ABO blood group systems and Rh (D) following
standard serological techniques. Tests with antisera A
(Anti A), antisera B (Anti B) and antisera D (Anti D)
were performed by the conventional tile technique as
previously reported [3]. Genotyping was performed
following the protocols as documented [7]. Cells were
washed 2-3 times in a test tube containing normal saline
and a drop of the washed cells was placed on a tile. This
is followed by the haemolysis of blood on the tile and
the placement of genotypes AS and AA controls on a
cellulose acetate paper using an applicator stick. After
ensuring that the Tris buffer inside the electrophoresis
tank covered the electrode, the cellulose acetate paper
was then placed in the tank and covered. Electricity was
applied; readings were taken after 5-10 minutes and
recorded accordingly.
Data collection and statistical analysis
Information was coded using Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet for subsequent statistical analysis. The
coded data was analyzed using Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Data were
compared using simple percentages, Chi-square (χ2) test
and student’s t-test. The comparison of the prevalence
of the selected trait expressed and gender was
determined using student’s t-test analysis. Statistical
significant was set at 5%.
RESULTS
The distribution and inheritance patterns of
morphogenetic traits amongst the two populations
revealed that 96.67% have right handedness (dominant
trait), while the numerical value for individuals with
free earlobe, tongue rollers, bent little fingers and
dimpled cheeks were 826 (68.83%), 673 (56.08%), 427
(35.58%) and 210 (17.50%) respectively. The Ibibio’s
right handedness, left handedness and ambidextrous
were 578 (96.33%), 19 (3.17%) and 3 (0.5%); while for
the Ananng’s were 582 (97.00%), 16 (2.67%) and 2
(0.33%) respectively. The association between the
distribution of morphogenetic traits and ethnicity were
significant for tongue folding and bent little finger
(P<0.005), while other morphogenetic traits were not
significant statistically among the two ethnic groups
(Table 1).
On the other hand, the distribution and
inheritance pattern of serological traits amongst the two
populations were 607 (50.67%), 242 (20.17%), 220
(18.33%) and 130 (10.83%) for blood group O, B, A
and AB respectively; while 1118 (93.17%) and 82
(6.83%) for rhesus positive and rhesus negative
respectively. The genotype distribution in both
populations were 899 (74.92%), 296 (24.67%) and 5
(0.42%) for AA, AS and SS respectively as displayed
on Table 2. Comparatively, there was high proportion
of blood group B in females (144 individuals) than in
males (128 individuals), and high proportion of blood
groups A, AB and O in males than in females. Rhesus
positive (727 individuals) and rhesus negative (50
individuals) was predominant in males than females,
likewise genotypes AA and AS (583 and 178
individuals respectively) (Table 3).
Association between sex and traits
(morphogenetic and serological traits) showed that
dimples, widow’s peak and rhesus factors were
significantly related to sex (P<0.005). The study
revealed that presence or absence of dimpled cheeks
and curve hairline or straight hairline for widow’s peak
were significantly associated with sex; likewise rhesus
factors (Table 3). Earlobe (both attached and free
earlobe), dimples (present and absent), hands clasping
(left and hands clasping), round or smooth cleft chin,
tongue folding (folders and non-folders), absent of mid-
phalangeal hair and bent little finger were more
predominant in males than females (Table 3).
Anthony John Umoyen et al; Sch Int J Anat Physiol, Jun., 2021; 4(6): 65-74
© 2021 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 68
Table-1: The distribution and inheritance pattern of various morphometric traits in the two populations
Morphogenetic
traits
Inheritance
pattern in
individuals
Ethnicity (%)
Total
(N꞊1200
X2
P-value
Ibibio (N꞊600) Ananng (N꞊600)
Tongue rolling
Rollers
Non-rollers
Dominant
Recessive
357 (59.50) 316 (52.67)
243 (40.50) 284 (47.33)
673 (56.08)
527 (43.92)
0.674
1.3266
Earlobe
Attached
Free
Recessive
Dominant
151 (25.17) 223 (37.17)
449 (74.83) 377 (62.83)
374 (31.17)
826 (68.83)
0.543
0.992
Dimples
Present
Absent
Dominant
Recessive
109 (18.17) 101 (16.83)
491 (81.83) 499 (83.17)
210 (17.50)
990 (82.50)
1.053
3.107
Hands clasping
Left hand
Right hand
Dominant
Recessive
139 (23.17) 112 (18.67)
461 (76.83) 488 (81.33)
251 (20.92)
949 (79.08)
0.732
0.958
Handedness
Right
Left
Ambidextrous
Dominant
Recessive
Not clear
578 (96.33) 582 (97.00)
19 (3.17) 16 (2.67)
3 (0.5) 2 (0.33)
1160 (96.67)
35 (2.92)
5 (0.42)
0.274
0.619
Cleft chin
Round/ smooth
Cleft or dimple chin
Recessive
Dominant
414 (69.00) 449 (74.83)
186 (31.00) 151 (25.17)
863 (71.92)
337 (28.08)
0.582
1.107
Tongue folding
Folders
Non-folders
Dominant
Recessive
69 (11.50) 42 (7.00)
531 (88.50) 558 (93.00)
111 (9.25)
1089 (90.75)
2.513
0.007*
Widow’s peak
Curve hairline
Straight hairline
Dominant
Recessive
207 (34.50) 194 (32.33)
393 (65.50) 406 (67.67)
401 (33.42)
799 (66.58)
1.361
2.048
Mid-phalangeal hair
Present
Absent
Dominant
Recessive
102 (17.00) 119 (19.83)
498 (83.00) 481 (80.17)
221 (18.42)
979 (81.58)
0.714
1.461
little finger
Straight
Bent
Recessive
Dominant
397 (66.17) 376 (62.67)
203 (33.83) 224 (37.33)
773 (64.42)
427 (35.58)
2.507
1.831*
‘*’ indicate 5% level of significance.
Table-2: The distribution and inheritance pattern of serological traits in the two populations
Serological
traits
Inheritance pattern
in individuals
Ethnicity (%)
Total
(N꞊1200)
X2
P-value
Ibibio (N꞊600) Ananng (N꞊600)
Blood group
A
B
AB
O
Dominant
Dominant
Dominant
Recessive
109 (18.17) 111 (18.50)
124 (20.67) 118 (19.67)
71 (11.83) 59 (9.83)
296 (49.33) 312 (52.00)
220 (18.33)
242 (20.17)
130 (10.83)
608 (50.67)
1.834
2.371
Rhesus factor
Rh (D) +
Rh (D) −
Dominant
Recessive
551 (91.83) 567 (94.50)
49 (8.17) 33 (5.50)
1118 (93.17)
82 (6.83)
1.128
2.610
Genotype
AA
AS
SS
Dominant
Dominant
Recessive
453 (75.50) 446 (74.33)
145 (24,17) 151 (25.17)
2 (0.33) 3 (0.50)
899 (74.92)
296 (24.67)
5 (0.42)
1.073
1.863
Anthony John Umoyen et al; Sch Int J Anat Physiol, Jun., 2021; 4(6): 65-74
© 2021 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 69
Table-3: Independent association between sex and traits in the two populations
Traits
Phenotypes
Sex
t- test
P-value
Male Female
Tongue rolling
Rollers
Non-rollers
292 381
216 311
1.645
2.362
Earlobe
Attached
Free
243 131
518 308
1.092
2.243
Dimples
Present
Absent
117 93
603 387
1.711
3.326*
Hands clasping
Left hand
Right hand
146 105
558 391
2.265
3.417
Handedness
Right
Left
Ambidextrous
613 547
21 14
4 1
0.931
1.388
Cleft chin
Round or smooth
Cleft or dimple chin
491 372
147 190
0.8575
1.529
Tongue folding
Folders
Non-folders
61 50
556 533
0.421
0.794
Widow’s peak
Curve hairline
Straight hairline
139 262
256 543
1.047
2.379*
Mid-
phalangeal
hair
Present
Absent
101 120
514 465
0.521
1.071
little finger
Straight
Bent
337 436
241 186
0.328
0.875
Blood group
A
B
AB
O
122 98
128 144
86 44
402 206
2.185
3.067
Rhesus factor
Rh (D) +
Rh (D) −
727 391
50 32
1.631
0.816*
Genotype
AA
AS
SS
583 316
178 118
2 3
1.925
2.867
‘*’ indicate 5% level of significance.
DISSCUSSION
The occurrence of genetic variations in man
are caused by several environmental factors acting in
tandem with selection, gene flow, genetic drift and
migration [2, 23-25]. The distribution and inheritance
patterns of human morphogenetic and serological traits
differed across human populations as documented [1-7,
8, 18-25]. This study was directed to investigate the
distribution patterns of morphogenetic and serological
traits among the Ibibio and Ananng ethnic groups
through physical inspection and examinations. The
findings of this study on the distribution and inheritance
patterns of selected human morphogenetic traits varied
among both ethnic groups; with higher proportion of
Ibibio’s displaying dominant pattern of inheritance for
tongue rolling, free earlobe, present of dimples, left
hand clasping, tongue folding, dimple chin and curve
hairline for widow’s peak than the Ananng’s. These
findings are in tandem with other reports where
individuals of different origin and geographical location
may expressed some morphogenetic features differently
or in a similar fashion due to alleles moving within the
ethnic group [2, 26]. In our present results, dominant
alleles were predominant than recessive alleles among
the Ibibio ethnic group; which is not in harmony with
the documented research among the Assamese Sikhs
were recessive alleles were more prevalent than
dominant alleles [27].
The frequency of tongue rolling in these two
ethnic groups revealed that there were more rollers
(dominant alleles) than non-rollers (recessive alleles)
which collaborates with published findings in Lagos
[1], Punjab population of Pakistan [2], Calaber [3], Edo
state among eight ethnic groups (Yoruba, Urhobo,
Izon, Isoko, Itsekiri, Igbo and Anioma) [5], Ekpomas
[7], Binis of Isoko ethnic group [18], Urhobos [28]
and Osogbo, South-Western Nigeria [29]. Also, a
higher percentage of tongue rollers among the females
were observed in this population investigated. This
finding agreed with documented study in Punjab,
Pakistan [2], Binis of Isoko ethnic group [18] and
Urhobos [28] where higher percentage of females are
tongue rollers, but does not collaborate with other
reports in Lagos [1], Calabar by Kooffreh et al., [3] and
Anthony John Umoyen et al; Sch Int J Anat Physiol, Jun., 2021; 4(6): 65-74
© 2021 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 70
Bayelsa State where more males are tongue rollers than
females [30].
Free earlobes were more than attached
earlobes among recruited individuals in both ethnic
groups as revealed in this study. It is similar to the
results previously documented in Nigerian populations
[1, 3, 4, 7, 18, 19], Pakistan [2, 31] and Indian
populations [22, 27, 32] in which free earlobes were
more predominant than attached earlobes. This study
also revealed that free earlobes were more prevalent
among males than females, disagreeing with different
documented studies were more females have free
earlobes [2, 3, 27]. There was no significant difference
between earlobe attachment and sex; therefore been
harmonious with previously documented research [1].
Cheeks dimpled were found to be less prevalent
(17.5%) in the studied populations having more males
with dimples than females. We may suggest that trait
like small face was co-inherited with dimple trait;
suppressing the phenotypic expression of dimples in
these current studied populations. Also variation in the
expression of dimples might be due to penetrance and it
is concomitant with the reported study in Ilorin, Nigeria
[23]. In Lagos state [1], Pakistan [2], Calabar [3] and
among the Isoko ethnic group in Delta State, Nigeria
cheeks dimpled were less prevalent in the populations
investigated with more males having dimples than
females; which are in tandem with our present findings.
Higher prevalence of 29.4% [33], 33.5% [23] were
documented in South-west Nigerian populations and
37.7% in South-south and South-east Nigeria [34] for
dimpled cheeks when compared with this present study
in Ikono and Oruk Anam, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Also this study revealed significant associations for
dimpled cheeks and widow’s peak with respect to sex
among the Ibibio and Ananng ethnic groups in Ikono
and Oruk Anam respectively. The associations observed
in this study might be due to close proximity of genes
controlling these morphogenetic traits and similar
results have been reported by researches among the
heterogeneous population in Lagos state, but with
respect to only checks dimples [1]. In contrast, other
researches documented associations between sex and
other morphogenetic traits, other than checks dimples in
Nigerian populations [18, 28] and Quetta, Pakistan [31].
The results from this study showed that right
hands clasping were more predominant than left hands
clasping and it is similar to documented research in
Calabar [3] and Delta state [5]; both in South-south
Nigeria with varying frequency. Also in this study,
more males exhibited both right hands and left hands
clasping. Higher frequency of left hands clasping
(55.41%; 466) with more females exhibiting it was
reported in North West Bulgaria [36] and in Ilorin,
South west Nigeria (53.4%; 1067) [23] which are not in
agreement with our findings. Left hand clasping was
higher in males than in their females’ counterparts as
revealed in our results. In contrast, right hand clasping
was observed to be more predominant as reported [37],
suggesting that hand clasping traits are possibly
products of autosomal genes. It is also likely that the
observed variations in the distributions and inheritance
patterns of these morphogenetic traits might be as a
result of selective expression arising from natural
selection in the populations and supported by
documented research [5].
The result of this study indicated that right
handedness was one of the most dominant traits,
revealing a clear differentiation between dominant and
recessive trait in handedness. Additionally, only 35
individuals (2.92%) out of a total of 1200 individuals
are having left handedness. Thus, majority of the people
in this study have inherited the dominant gene resulting
in right-handedness. This is in-line with the published
researches in Jammu and Kashmir [8], Thrissur district
[22]; both Indian populations. Globally, approximately
more than 85% of individuals are right-handed [38] and
agreeing with our present result in Ikono and Oruk
Anam, Akwa Ibom State. There are advantages of right-
handedness over lift- handedness [24, 38-42]. For
instances, left-handedness has been linked to some
types of disorders like alcoholism [39], allergies and
autoimmune disorders [40], autism [41]. Cuellar-Partida
and colleagues have documented on 48 common
genetic variants linked with handedness (41 associated
with left-handedness and seven to ambidexterity) using
genome-wide association studies [24]. Over-
representation of left-handers in some
neurodevelopmental disorders and neuropsychiatric
traits including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder has
been reported recently [24]. Therefore, implying that
handedness are largely influenced by different genetic
mechanisms and polygenic in nature.
The distribution of cleft chin in this study
revealed that rounded or smooth chin are more
predominant than cleft or dimple chin. It is concomitant
with previous documented study in Ilorin among
university students [23]. In contrast, the result stated
above is not in harmony with the published research in
Quetta, Pakistan in which cleft chin were more
predominant than rounded chin [42]. Cleft or dimple
chin were predominant in females than males in our
study and it is in tandem with other studies in Ilorin,
Western Nigeria [33] and Pakistan [42], but disagreed
with the documented study in Lagos [1]. Low frequency
of subjects (9.25%) have ability to fold their tongue in
both ethnic groups was observed in our current study in
Ikono and Orok Anam areas. This result is similar to the
documented study in Quetta Population, Pakistan [42]
and Badhiya Muslims of Bihar, India [32]; but
disagrees with the documented report in Andhra
Pradesh [43]. Also predominant males were tongue
folders than females. Tongue folders among Sonowal
Kacharis of Assam, India were more of males than
Anthony John Umoyen et al; Sch Int J Anat Physiol, Jun., 2021; 4(6): 65-74
© 2021 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 71
females; [44] which is similar with our current findings
in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. In contrast, in an India
population (Bihar); more female (28.8%) than male
(20%) were tongue folders [32] resembling the result of
this current study.
The distribution of widow’s peak in the two
populations studied revealed less frequency of curved
hair- line (33.42%) than straight hairline (66.58%). This
corroborates the findings documented in Lagos state
[1], Esan ethnic groups, Delta state [4], Ekpoma, Edo
state [7], Ilorin [23]; all in Nigerian populations and
Thrissur District, India [22]. Furthermore, both
phenotypes of widow’s peak were observed more in
females than males and do not corroborates with the
reported studies by scientists [4, 45]. The distribution of
mid-phalangeal hair in our study revealed that majority
of the recruited individuals lack hair on the mid-digit of
their fingers which corroborate with findings in various
Nigerian ethnic groups like the Yorubas [1, 20] and the
Ogba tribe in Rivers State [46], Ghana [47] and
Serbians [26]. Contrastingly, mid-phalangeal hair was
predominantly found on the fingers of most participants
in Calabar, Cross River State [3] and Ilorin, Kwara
State [23]. The Efifk ethnic group of Calabar is
sometimes hairy in nature and this may have
contributed to the mid-phalangeal hair on their fingers.
They are close relatives of the Ibibio and Ananng ethnic
groups and they inter –marry among themselves; but
mid-phalangeal hair were not predominant among the
two ethnic groups currently studied. This suggests that
mid-phalangeal hair were autosomal recessive in most
individuals recruited for this study in the Ibibio and
Ananng ethnic groups, Akwa Ibom State. Also the
presence or absence of hair on the mid-phalangeal
among the Ibibio and Ananng ethnic groups may be due
to their nature of work, lifestyle (environmental factors)
and are in-line with documented findings [20, 48].
This present research stipulated that bent little
finger have a frequency of 37.33%, 64.42% for straight
phenotype. Additionally, bent little finger was
significantly associated with ethnicity. These results are
in harmony with other findings in Lagos State among a
heterogeneous ethnic group [1], Igbo ethnic group
(homogeneous ethnic group) of Nigeria [19], Ilorin,
Western Nigeria [23], Ogba tribes, Rivers States [49].
The distribution of bent little finger between genders
revealed that more males were found to have it than
females; while more females have straight little fingers
than males. This sex distribution of bent little finger
corroborate with other researches previously
documented [19, 31, 49].
In this current study, the frequency of blood
group O was more predominant, followed by B, A and
AB in both ethnic groups. These findings are in
harmony with documented research in Calabar, South-
south Nigeria [3], Gusau, Zamfara State [50] and Kano
State [51]; all Nigerian populations. Similar results
were also documented in Indian populations namely
Purnia District [32] and Karachi [52], but the frequency
varies among different blood types depending on the
population and ethnic group. Other documented
researches observed the distribution of blood group in
the order of B >O > A >AB among non-African
populations [53-56], and the trend of O >A > B >AB in
Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria [7], Binis, Isoko ethnic
group [25] and Assamese Sikhs [27]. These trends
mention above are not concomitant with our current
findings in Ikono and Oruk Anam, Akwa Ibom State,
South-south Nigeria.
It is noteworthy to highlight the advantages
and disadvantages of blood group O in some
populations. Previous published research in Punjab,
Pakistan has shown that cholera infections are severe
for blood group O than blood group B [2]. Studies have
revealed that blood group O usually present less sever
malaria when compare to group A, B and AB [57, 58].
This suggests that individuals in Ikono and Oruk Anam
may have high resistance to malaria; due to
evolutionary advantage conferred to them by blood
group O phenotypes. It was previously documented that
the antigen present on the surface of erythrocytes in
blood groups A and B is presumed to act as a receptor
to form a rosette structure [57]. Then the lack of
oligosaccharide on erythrocytes of blood group O is not
suitable for rosette structure infected by Plasmodium
falciparum [57] but it is more sensitive to cholera
disease. Also, there are reports that peoples with blood
group A, B and AB are more susceptible to pancreatic
cancer, oral, ovarian, gastric, leukemia, rectal and
cervical cancers [59-62]. Thus, the relative decrease in
the frequency of blood group A, B and AB
hypothesized that the prevalence of these disease
conditions in Ikono and Oruk Anam may be low;
although our scope of this study did not include it.
The frequency of rhesus positive individual is
higher (93.17%) than frequency of rhesus negative
people (6.83%) among the two ethnic groups. Similar
frequency of 91.78% and 8.22% for rhesus positive and
rhesus negative individuals respectively was
documented in Western Rajasthan, India [63], 86.03%
and 13.97% respectively in Punjab, Pakistan [2]. In
Calabar [3], Ekpoma [7], Binis, Isoko ethnic group of
South-south Nigeria [25], Purnia district, India [32] and
Sialkot district, Pakistan [54] recorded similar results
obtained for rhesus factors in this present research. The
frequency distribution of various ABO blood phenotype
and rhesus factors phenotypes among sex, showed
males have the highest proportion of blood group A, O,
AB, rhesus positive and rhesus negative while females
had greater frequency for blood group B. The result
also revealed no statistical significant differences
between sex and blood groups, indicating that they were
inherited in autosomal pattern with no preference to
Anthony John Umoyen et al; Sch Int J Anat Physiol, Jun., 2021; 4(6): 65-74
© 2021 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 72
gender. This research recorded a high percentage of AA
genotype (74.92%), followed by AS with 24.67% and
the least was genotype SS (0.42%). These results
correspond to the researches carried out in Bayelsa
State, South-south Nigeria [30] and Ogbomoso,
Western Nigeria [64]. The relevance of blood group
typing, rhesus factors and genotyping aids in marriage
and disease(s) counseling.
CONCLUSIONS
This cross‑sectional comparative research
revealed the distribution and inheritance patterns of 13
traits in two ethnic groups. Dimples, widow’s peak and
Rhesus factor were significantly associated with sex.
These findings will be relevant in many areas like
human genetics, forensic science, clinical practice and
anthropology. Also it will serve as base-line
information for further anthropological and human
diversity studies.
Limitations of the study
Molecular approach for determining genetic
relationship of morphogenetic and serological traits to
human disorders were not carried out in this research;
which can be done in further study.
RECOMMENDATIONS
This present study was conducted in only two
Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State and large
scale studies involving several territories inhabited by
native Ibibio and Ananng ethnic groups are
recommended. Additionally, this research can be used
as base-line information for future research since it is
the first documented morphogenetic traits in these
ethnic groups.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors are thankful to all recruited
participants for their kind cooperation during sample
collection and physical examination by researchers.
Also gratitude to parents and guardians for providing
kind co‑operation and information for minors (under
aged) subjects, because without their support it would
be impossible to conduct this research.
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