Estimation of Sex from Anthropometry of the External ear from North and South Indian population

Introduction: Similar to the fingerprints, the external ear constitutes the design, characteristic functions and peculiarities for the purpose of identification. The ear morphometry gives information on age and sex which plays a valuable role in forensic investigation. Objectives:The current study aims to establish basic information on ear morphology among young North and South Indian adults in terms of dimensions and to assess bilateral asymmetry. Furthermore, the study primarily aims to determine sexual dimorphism of North and South Indian ear measurements and provide population-specific standards for sex assignment. Material and methods: Measurements are taken from 156 young medical students, aged 18-21 years (78 each from North and South Indian population) using digital Vernier calipers. Among 78 samples of North and South Indians (39 Males each and 39 females each). Parameters included were Total Ear Height, Ear Width, Ear Index, Lobular Height, Lobule Width, Lobule Index, Tragus Length. Results and Conclusion:Comparison were made using paired sample t-test and independent t-test.In our study all auricular linear dimensions are greater among North Indian male population than compared to South Indians, whereas Ear index and Lobular index are greater among South Indian female population than North Indian females.