Thesis Abstract

ABSTRACT Anthropometric studies play a crucial role in understanding human variations and population diversity. The cephalic index is one of the key anthropometric measurements used to categorize human skulls and determine the head shape of individuals. This study aimed to compare the cephalic indices between the Yoruba and Benin ethnic groups residing in Okada Town, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 200 individuals (100 Yoruba and 100 Benin) were included in the study, with an equal distribution of males and females in each group. The measurements were taken using standard anthropometric techniques, and the cephalic index was calculated using the formula (maximum head width/ maximum head length) x 100. The data obtained were analyzed using statistical methods to determine the mean cephalic indices for each group and compare the differences between the Yoruba and Benin populations. The results revealed significant differences in the cephalic indices between the Yoruba and Benin ethnic groups. The mean cephalic index for the Yoruba group was found to be higher compared to the Benin group, indicating a relatively broader head shape in the Yoruba population. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have reported variations in cranial morphology among different ethnic groups. The observed differences in cephalic indices between the Yoruba and Benin populations may be attributed to genetic factors, as well as environmental and cultural influences. The findings of this study contribute to the existing knowledge of human cranial variation and emphasize the importance of considering population-specific differences in anthropometric research. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the cephalic indices of the Yoruba and Benin ethnic groups residing in Okada Town, Edo State. The differences observed in head shape between the two populations highlight the unique cranial characteristics that exist among different ethnic groups. Further research incorporating larger sample sizes and additional anthropometric measurements could enhance our understanding of human diversity and population genetics.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Anthropometry deals with the measurement of physical sizes and shapes of human body (D. Poswillo, 1963). In differentiating people of different ethnic backgrounds, nutritional status, and gender, according to G. V. Shah and H. R. Jahhav, 2004, anthropometric data seems to be useful. Several measurable anthropometric parameters or variables have been developed over the years for establishing possible differences amongst different groups (G. V. Shah and H. R. Jahhav., 2004).

According to G. V. Shah and H. R. Jahhav (2004), S. W. Lobo, T. S. Chandrashekhar, and S. Kumar (2005), M.J.Golalipour (2006), Cephalic index is one of such very useful measurable anthropometric variables used in physical anthropology to determine geographical gender, age, and racial and ethnic variations. They proved that comparison of changes in cephalic index between parents, offspring, and siblings gives clues to genetic transmission of inherited characters or traits which play a role in forensic science. Argyropoulos and Sassouni(1989) showed that morphological features of different races and ethnic groups are not randomly distributed but appear in geographic clusters. Arguably, Cephalometry continues to be the most versatile technique in the investigation of the craniofacial skeleton because of its validity and practicality (G. T. McIntyre and P. A. Mossey, 2003). Cephalometry is associated with the morphological study of all the structures present in the human head. Cephalometry is the scientific measurement of the dimensions of the head usually through the use of standardized lateral skull radiographs (I. EI-Feghi et al, 2004). Based on the above factors, anthropometric studies are conducted on the age, sex, and social or ethnic groups in certain geographical zones (G. V. Shah and H. R. Jahhav, [2004], P. Williams et al, [2003], M.J.Golalipour et al, [2003], M.J.Golalipour et al, [2005], B. C. Didia and D. V. Dapper, [2005], S. H. Garba, [2008], H. B. Fawehinmi and A. M. Eroje, [2009], O. Joy et al, [2009], G. S. Oladipo et al, [2009], G. S. Oladipo et al, [2013]). Several studies have been conducted on the age,sex,and racial or ethnic groups in different geographical zones (O. Joy et al, [2009], G. S. Oladipo et al, [2009], G. S. Oladipo et al, [2013], I. P. Singh and N. K. Bharin, [1968], E. A. Osunwoke et al, [2012]).These authors have sited various categories of cranium on the basis of head length, breadth, and index and described seven groups of crania. R. F. Okupe et al. (1984), in a comparative study of bi parietal diameter (BPD) fetuses of some of the Nigerian ethnic groups and Caucasians, showed statistically significant differences until near term when the Nigerian fetuses showed consistently longer BPD. Cussenot et al. (1990) reported that skeletal measurements were made as the basis of foetal anthropometry and age determination. In a related study, cephalic index varied with advancing gestational age with the highest and lowest being 81.5 and 78.0 at weeks 14 and 28, respectively (D. L. Gray, 1989).

Several studies have been carried out to classify head shapes based on cephalic index into four internationally acceptable categories that include dolicocephalic (<74.9), mesocephalic (75–79.9), brachycephalic (80.0–84.9), and hyperbrachycephalic (85.0–89.9) (P. Williams et al, [2003], M. Del Sol, [2005]). A study has shown that the people of Gurung community of Nepal of India are brachycephalic with cephalic index of 80.42 (G. V. Shah and H. R. Jahhav 2004). Bhils and Barelas are mesocephalic (76.98 & 79.80) (I. Bhargava and G. A. Kher, [1960], I. Bhargava and G. A. Kher[1961]). The Iranian people are predominantly brachycephalic and hyper brachycephalic (M.J.Golalipour, 2006). Besides being a predictor of fetal death, early trans-vaginal measurement of cephalic index had been used for the determination of Down syndrome foetuses (P. Rosati and L. Guariglia 1999). The first classification based on cranial morphology is attributed to the professor of anatomy Anders Retzius (1840)