Sexual dimorphism of body traits in Taiwanese populations, China

doi:10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2025.04.013

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Acta Anatomica Sinica ›› 2025, Vol. 56 ›› Issue (4) : 472-482. DOI: 10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2025.04.013

Anthropology

Sexual dimorphism of body traits in Taiwanese populations, China

DU Bao-pu^{1, 2} JING Peng^{2, 3} HUO Xiu-li^{2, 3} LIU Li^{2, 3} DU Jing^{4, 5} GAO Yan^{1, 2*}

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Abstract

Objective To examine the distribution of sexual dimorphism in body metrical traits among Taiwanese populations in China. Methods This study analyzed a total of 45 groups Taiwanese populations in China, including Gaoshan ethnic groups such as the Ami, Atayal, Bunun, Paiwan, Panapanayan, Pingpu, Rukai and Tsou, as wells as Han ethnic groups including Minnan and Waisheng. A total of 28 somatic traits were selected to calculate the sexual dimorphism index (I_sd), enabling us to observe the distribution of sexual dimorphism across Taiwanese populations. Results The range of variation in I_sd among Taiwanese populations was substantial, with values ranging from -1.04% to 11.88% in the Gaoshan ethnic groups and -1.00% to 13.95% in the Han ethnic groups. Most traits exhibited more than moderate sex differences, while the pelvic width, spinal breadth and thigh circumference showed a low degree of sexual dimorphism. Clustering analysis revealed that the Ami, Bunun, Pingpu, Atayal, Paiwan and Minnan clustered together, and the Rukai, Tsou, Waisheng and Panapanayan clustered separately. Additionally, the Taiwanese populations and mainland Chinese populations were intermixed in a combined cluster. Conclusion The distribution of I_sdamong Taiwanese populations in China demonstrates significantly variation, providing novel insights into the physical characteristics of Taiwanese populations.

Key words

Taiwanese populations in China / Gaoshan ethnic group / Sexual dimorphism / Body trait / Physical anthropology / Adult

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DU Bao-pu JING Peng HUO Xiu-li LIU Li DU Jing GAO Yan. Sexual dimorphism of body traits in Taiwanese populations, China[J]. Acta Anatomica Sinica. 2025, 56(4): 472-482 https://doi.org/10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2025.04.013

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