Cognitive pattern and dermatoglyphic asymmetry

Right-handed subjects were classified by the number of ridges on left and r ight fingertips as left-higher (L>) or right-higher (R>). As in previous st udies, L> subjects of both sexes scored higher than R> subjects on tasks ty pically favouring females (feminine tasks). However, masculine characteriza tion of tests did not relate consistently to direction of dermatoglyphic as ymmetry. Instead, two verbally-presented reasoning tasks (inferences, math aptitude) were advantaged in R> subjects compared to L>. Since fingerprints are formed by the fourth fetal month, the data support suggestions that si gnificant components of our cognitive pattern are programmed very early in life. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.