Comparison of head and face measurement traits in Chinese Han, Li, Uygur and Tibetan population / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the relationship between the head and face traits of Han, Li, Uygur and Tibetan population. Methods From 2008 to 2011, sixteen head and face measurement traits were measured in Chinese young individuals from Jiangsu, Hainan, Xinjiang and Tibet, with sample size of 1034 (348 Han, 165 Li, 305 Uygur, 216 Tibetan). The gender difference analysis, commonalities and differences between populations and principal component analysis were earned out. Results Most of the sixteen head and face measurement traits showed significant gender differences, the mean measurements of most features of males were bigger than those of females in four populations. Samples of the four populations usually had brachycephaly and hyperbrachycephaly. Most Han, Li and Uygur belonged to euryprosopy. Han, Li and Tibetan were typically mesorrhiny. The homogenous features of head and face of the four populations were shown. However, the head and face of the four populations also had some heterogeneous features. For instance, Han had the broadest face and Li had the broadest nose among all four populations. Furthermore, Uygur had the narrowest nose and Tibetan had the narrowest face. The result in population relationships presented that the head and face measurement traits of Han and Li were relatively similar, while those of Uygur and Tibetan were narrower. Conclusion There are commonalities and differences in the head and face measurement traits among the four populations. The group relationship between Han and Li is relatively similar, and that between Uygur and Tibetan is relatively close. The homogeneity and heterogeneity between populations can provide data and theoretical support for genetics, forensic science and other fields.