A detection of microevolutionary changes by the analysis of qualitative dermatoglyphic traits: an example of Albanians from Kosovo

In this study we analyzed the qualitative dermatoglyphic traits in the Albanians from three Kosovo distinct regions. We aimed to detect possible microevolutionary changes, which could have happened as a consequence of geographical and cultural isolation. The dermatoglyphic traits were analyzed for total 641 Albanians of both sexes. The analysis included 4 variables on fingers, 8 on palms and terminations of A, B, C, D and T main-lines. The differences in patterns incidence were tested using the chi-square test. The frequencies of several pattern types varied to a great extent between distinct groups with statistically significant difference in most of the cases. Our results indicated that the Albanians from South Morava valley and from Kosovo plain were genetically close, and the population from Dukagjini valley is less close to any of them. The analysis of qualitative dermatoglyphic patterns may be utilized effectively to track the microevolutionary changes. This is especially useful in a developing country like Kosovo, since it is an inexpensive and effective tool for screening and studying the patterns influenced by the divergence of population.