Cognitive pattern and dermatoglyphic asymmetry

Right-handed subjects were classified by the number of ridges on left and right fingertips as left-higher (L>) or right-higher (R>). As in previous studies, L> subjects of both sexes scored higher than R> subjects on tasks typically favouring females (feminine tasks). However, masculine characterization of tests did not relate consistently to direction of dermatoglyphic asymmetry. 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 significant components of our cognitive pattern are programmed very early in life.