Dominant Traits of the Cheek and Tongue in North Central Nigeria
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Anatomical Society of Nigeria
Abstract
Cheek dimples (small indentations on the cheeks) and tongue rolling (the ability to fold the tongue) are
dominant genetic traits observed in humans. Investigating these traits provides valuable insights into
genetic inheritance patterns and their cultural significance across various populations. This study aimed
to assess the prevalence and ecological implications of dominant traits like cheek dimples and tongue
rolling in individuals across Kwara, Kogi, and Niger states. A simple random sampling technique was
used to select 348 North-Central Nigerians, including 231 males and 117 females aged 16 to 30. Data
were collected on the presence or absence of cheek dimples, tongue rolling, and tongue-twisting, and
analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). A chi-square test was conducted with a
confidence interval of ±0.5 at a 95% confidence level. Results indicated that 33% of participants had
dimples, with 57% having dimples on both cheeks, 15% on the right cheek, and 35% on the left.
Additionally, 48.3% of participants had parents with dimples. For tongue rolling, 66.7% of participants
could roll their tongues, with 52.6%, 46.6%, 41.4%, and 53.7% able to twist their tongues to the right,
left, and both directions and shape them into a U, respectively. These findings offer insights into the
prevalence and variability of these traits within the population.
Description
Keywords
cheek dimples, tongue rolling, dominant genetic traits, prevalence, ecological implication
Citation
Kadir E.R., Yakub A.D., Obe T.M., Bada G.N., Imam A., Omotoso G.O. (2025). Dominant Traits of the Cheek and Tongue in North Central Nigeria. The Journal of Anatomical Sciences. 16(1): 73-81. Published by Anatomical Society of Nigeria. Available online at http://asn-ng.com/journal/issue/16/1