Giovanni Floris

Sex and side differences in the minor non-metrical cranial variants

Abstract Thirty-three epigenetic traits were examined on 260 skulls from present-day Sardinian population. Side and sex differences were studied, together with possible differences between the methods commonly used. The Authors concluded that side and sex differences are practically irrelevant. They also recommend research-workers to use one method only in comparing the traits studied.

Dermatoglyphics in endogamic populations of Sardinia

Abstract Several dermatoglyphic characteristics (palmar and plantar) of different populations in Sardinian communities are reported. Graphs illustrating the dermatoglyphic behaviour of the single communities examined are presented. It can be seen that each community behaves differently from the others, even when they are geographically close together. Sexual differences appear quite accentuated in some communities while in others they are negligible. From the present study, as well as from other studies on the hereditary characteristics of Sardinians, it emerges that Sardinia is in reality subdivided into many different populations, or endogamic stocks, each presenting a particular behaviour of its own, sometimes quite different from that presented by the other populations.

The sensitivity to P.T.C. in 541 Sardinians

Abstract The sensitivity of 541 Sardinians of both sexes to P.T.C. was examined using the complete Harris & Kalmus method. In the sample examined no significant differences on the basis of sex or age were noted. Even smoking did not seem to have a determinant influence on the sensitivity to P.T.C., but this was examined only indicatively. Subdividing the subjects examined on the basis of the area from which they came revealed significant differences between two of the three areas examined.

Qualitative aspects of palmar dermatoglyphics in a sample of Sardinian population

Abstract The author examines certain qualitative aspects of palmar dermatoglyphics in 820 individuals of both sexes from the city of Cagliari (Sardinia). The overall results obtained are discussed and the sexual and lateral differences are considered. The sample examined differs from other Mediterranean samples because of a tendency toward a vertical trend of the papillary lines, a lower frequency of patterns in the 2nd and 3rd interdigital areas and a higher frequency of patterns in the 4th interdigital area.