T he ecological footprint of China's provinces is calculated in this pap er. In general, China's development is not sustainable because its ecological footprint is beyond its bio-capacity. The sustainability s...T he ecological footprint of China's provinces is calculated in this pap er. In general, China's development is not sustainable because its ecological footprint is beyond its bio-capacity. The sustainability status of each pr ovince in China is presented. Ulanowicz's development capacity formula w as introduced to discuss the relationship of development and ecological footprin t's diversity. The diversity of ecological impacts is related to the e fficiency with which an economy uses the source and sink services of the environment and, in this view, should be a factor in economic output. Developme nt capacity, calculated from the ecological footprint and its diversity , is used to examine the relationship of economic output with the st ructure of the ecological footprint. China and its provinces are prese nted as a case study to investigate this relationship. The analysis s hows that footprint capacity is significant in predicting economic outp ut. Increasing the ecological footprint's diversity is presented as another way to increase development capacity.展开更多
The footprints of water and nitrogen(WF and NF)provide a comprehensive overview of the type and quantity of water consumption and reactive nitrogen(Nr)loss in crop production.In this study,a field experiment over two ...The footprints of water and nitrogen(WF and NF)provide a comprehensive overview of the type and quantity of water consumption and reactive nitrogen(Nr)loss in crop production.In this study,a field experiment over two years(2019 and 2020)compared three integrated agronomic practice management(IAPM)systems:An improved management system(T2),a high-yield production system(T3),and an integrated soil-crop management system(ISCM)using a local smallholder farmer’s practice system(T1)as control,to investigate the responses of WF,Nr losses,water use efficiency(WUE),and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)to IAPM.The results showed that IAPM optimized water distribution and promoted water use by summer maize.The evapotranspiration over the whole maize growth period of IAPM increased,but yield increased more,leading to a significant increase in WUE.The WUE of the T2,T3,and ISCM treatments was significantly greater than in the T1 treatment,in 2019 and 2020respectively,by 19.8-21.5,31.8-40.6,and 34.4-44.6%.The lowest WF was found in the ISCM treatment,which was 31.0%lower than that of the T1 treatment.In addition,the ISCM treatment optimized soil total nitrogen(TN)distribution and significantly increased TN in the cultivated layer.Excessive nitrogen fertilizer was applied in treatment T3,producing the highest maize yield,and resulting in the highest Nr losses.In contrast,the ISCM treatment used a reduced nitrogen fertilizer rate,sacrificing grain yield partly,which reduced Nr losses and eventually led to a significant increase in nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen recovery.The Nr level in the ISCM treatment was34.8%lower than in the T1 treatment while NUE was significantly higher than in the T1 treatment by 56.8-63.1%in2019 and 2020,respectively.Considering yield,WUE,NUE,WF,and NF together,ISCM should be used as a more sustainable and clean system for sustainable production of summer maize.展开更多
Three-dimensional tracks provide unique insights into the locomotor mechanics of their track makers. An isolated, large hadrosauriform print attributable to Caririchnium lotus from the ＂mid＂-Cretaceous Lotus track s...Three-dimensional tracks provide unique insights into the locomotor mechanics of their track makers. An isolated, large hadrosauriform print attributable to Caririchnium lotus from the ＂mid＂-Cretaceous Lotus track site （Jiaguan Formation） in China permits reconstruction of the footfall, weight-bearing, and kick-off phases of the step cycle. Large-scale modifications of the pes during the step cycle indicate C. lotus trackmakers were capable of locomotory modifications in response to substrate consistency beyond the ＂expected＂ shift between bipedal and quadrupedal postures. An unusual curvature to the trace of one of the outer digits indicates substantial transverse mobility. The remaining digits demonstrate lesser degrees of transverse movement accompanied by extension of the digits during footfall. The absence of overprinted scale-scratch marks and toe drags are consistent with a vertical kick-off of the pes and concomitant flexion of the digits. This track suggests that pedal mobility in C. lotus track makers was greater than previously suspected and has implications for reconstructions of hadrosauriform locomotion.展开更多
Soil plays a critical role in providing various Ecosystem Services (ESs) that are beneficial to humanity. Services such as clean air, water, and food production are directly or indirectly provided through soils. The s...Soil plays a critical role in providing various Ecosystem Services (ESs) that are beneficial to humanity. Services such as clean air, water, and food production are directly or indirectly provided through soils. The soil ecosystem is considered as the most important Carbon (C) sink in terrestrial systems, and human activities, particularly land use, impact ESs and increase carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Mapping ESs and assessing the risks associated with climate-related hydro-meteorological hazards and soil degradation can contribute to making spatial decisions for planning more climate-resilient. Indeed, strategies based on soil ecosystem services provide valuable insight for enhancing the resilience of spatial decision-making in adapting to climate change. The aim of this article is to illuminate the significance of SoES in the spatial planning decision-making for better integration and adaptation into climate change adaptation policies as a decision support tool. In this regard, ESs related to climate change were highlighted and mapped, and their suitability for settlement development decisions and relation with ESs’ integrity were assessed through weighted multi-criteria analysis, while discussing the contributions of this process to climate change adaptation. Incorporating Social-Ecological Systems (SoESs) factors into suitability analysis is crucial for comprehensive urban planning, particularly in the context of climate change adaptation and environmental protection. In this study, two settlement suitability analyses were conducted. The first analysis considered various factors, such as land use, soil classification, DEM (Digital Elevation Model), and slope. The second analysis utilized weighted climate-related SoES indicators, including soil depth, soil carbon sequestration capacity, soil loss, flood risk, temperature, and precipitation. The results revealed that the SoES-based suitability analysis was more stringent in identifying suitable areas for urban development and offered a more holistic 展开更多
It is the first time that the fossil footprints of a group of Middle Eocene elephant ancestors have been discovered in the Gonjo Basin,East Tibet Plateau.The Gonjo Formation is attributed to the Middle Eocene Epoch(U-...It is the first time that the fossil footprints of a group of Middle Eocene elephant ancestors have been discovered in the Gonjo Basin,East Tibet Plateau.The Gonjo Formation is attributed to the Middle Eocene Epoch(U-Pb age=44.7±1.2 Ma)and consists mainly of purplish-red,medium-to coarse-grained sandstones,siltstones interbedded with mudstones,and conglomerates with sedimentary structures like ripple marks,rip-up clasts,and trough-cross bedding,suggesting fluvial-lacustrine systems.The group of fossil footprints has a characteristic oval-concave shape,and the toe impressions are absent.Some fossil footprints are overstepped with a pockmarked texture resembling Proboscipeda enigmatica.More than 165 fossil footprints of the group are relatively well-preserved with different diameters,which is evidence of highly social behavior and trackmakers of different ages,including calves,juveniles,adolescents,and adults.The size frequency of the fossil footprints enabled us to deduce the body mass,shoulder height,and hip-height distribution of the trackmakers that crossed the East Tibet Plateau 44.7 Ma ago.The trackmakers comprised an estimated average hip-height of 111.8 cm,an average shoulder height of 172.8 cm for males/155.9 cm for females,and an average body mass of approximately 1218.1 kg for males/907.8 kg for females.The abundance of fossil footprints reveals that in the Middle Eocene Epoch,the environment was extraordinarily conducive for the elephant ancestors to live in the East Tibet region.展开更多
In recent years, the discoveries of dinosaur footprints have been successively reported from Dianshi Town, Zizhou City, Shaanxi Province. The footprints include the tracks of theropod, ornithopod and sauropod as well....In recent years, the discoveries of dinosaur footprints have been successively reported from Dianshi Town, Zizhou City, Shaanxi Province. The footprints include the tracks of theropod, ornithopod and sauropod as well. Actually, the dinosaur footprints were found by local inhabitants much earlier in history, but not for science. The slabs bearing the dinosaur footprints were collected for domestic use, such as building stones, millstones, cellar covers, sheepfold fences, windlass holders, etc. This paper is to describe the dinosaur footprints on both sides of three slabs used for cellar covers, sheepfold fences and windlass holders by the local people. 24 dinosaur footprints and 4 trackways have been recognized and all of them belong to theropod. Four kinds of dinosaur footprints are identified, including 1 new ichnogenus and 2 new ichnospecies： （1） Shanbeipus caudatus ichnogen, et ichnosp, nov.; （2） Pengxianpus yulinensis ichnosp, nov.; （3） Eubrontes ichnosp; （4） Kayentapus ichnosp. Dinosaur-footprint-bearing beds were initially identified as the Fuxian Formation of the Lower Jurassic. Multipal dinosaur footprints associated with fragment plant fossils suggest a humid fluviolacustrine environment setting in the Ordos Basin during the early period of the Jurassic.展开更多
During the early two decades of third millennium, many Mesozoic and Cenozoic biotas belong to plesiosaur, Titanosauriformes, titanosaurs, theropods, Mesoeucrocodiles, pterosaur, bird, snake, fishes, mammals, eucrocodi...During the early two decades of third millennium, many Mesozoic and Cenozoic biotas belong to plesiosaur, Titanosauriformes, titanosaurs, theropods, Mesoeucrocodiles, pterosaur, bird, snake, fishes, mammals, eucrocodiles, invertebrates and plants from Pakistan were found. Previously a few were formally published according to nomenclatural rules. Most of the Mesozoic vertebrates were formally published in August 2021, and the remaining Mesozoic and Cenozoic biotas are being formally described here.展开更多
Domestication and diversification have had profound effects on crop genomes.Originating in Africa and subsequently spreading to different continents,sorghum(Sorghum bicolor)has experienced multiple onsets of domestica...Domestication and diversification have had profound effects on crop genomes.Originating in Africa and subsequently spreading to different continents,sorghum(Sorghum bicolor)has experienced multiple onsets of domestication and intensive breeding selection for various end uses.However,how these processes have shaped sorghum genomes is not fully understood.In the present study,population genomics analyses were performed on a worldwide collection of 445 sorghum accessions,covering wild sorghum and four end-use subpopulations with diverse agronomic traits.Frequent genetic exchanges were found among various subpopulations,and strong selective sweeps affected 14.68%(∼107.5 Mb)of the sorghum genome,including 3649,4287,and 3888 genes during sorghum domestication,improvement of grain sorghum,and improvement of sweet sorghum,respectively.Eight different models of haplotype changes in domestication genes from wild sorghum to landraces and improved sorghum were observed,and Sh1-and SbTB1-type genes were representative of two prominent models,one of soft selection or multiple origins and one of hard selection or an early single domestication event.We also demonstrated that the Dry gene,which regulates stem juiciness,was unconsciously selected during the improvement of grain sorghum.Taken together,these findings provide new genomic insights into sorghum domestication and breeding selection,and will facilitate further dissection of the domestication and molecular breeding of sorghum.展开更多
The correlation between technological innovation,economic growth,renewable energy,and ecological footprint carries significant policy implications for environmental sustainability.Furthermore,financial inclusion can d...The correlation between technological innovation,economic growth,renewable energy,and ecological footprint carries significant policy implications for environmental sustainability.Furthermore,financial inclusion can drastically affect the technology-climate nexus across different countries and its moderating impacts have received sufficient attention.To do this,this study examined how technological innovation,financial inclusion,economic growth,and renewable energy affected emerging economies’ecological footprint from 1990 to 2019.Additionally,this study also scrutinizes the moderating role of financial inclusion with other regressors on ecological footprint.To account for structural shifts,disguised cointegration,and numerous breaks in panel regression,this study applies advanced panel estimation methods for empirical analysis.The estimated outcomes exhibit that the influence of technical innovation,climate technologies,and renewable energy significantly reduces the ecological footprint levels.Besides,economic growth and financial inclusion significantly increase the ecological footprint levels in the emerging economies.Furthermore,the integration of innovative technology and renewable energy in emerging countries mitigates the adverse effects of financial inclusion by making it easier for creative technologies and reducing ecological footprints.These results show that emerging countries’innovative technology and renewable energy sources should be integrated with financial inclusion to enable longterm mitigation of environmental damages and sustainable growth.Based on these estimated findings,the research recommends that emerging economies should hasten technological innovations along with stronger financial development to curtail ecological concerns without hindering the pace of sustainable economic growth.展开更多
Background:Footprints recovered from crime scenes can assist in establishing the identity(stature,body weight,and sex)of a person.Due to variations(genetic and environmental factors)in the morphology of the foot,sever...Background:Footprints recovered from crime scenes can assist in establishing the identity(stature,body weight,and sex)of a person.Due to variations(genetic and environmental factors)in the morphology of the foot,several authors have derived populationspecific regression equations for stature and weight estimations.Aims and Objectives:Tribal differences in the footprint dimensions of Ghanaians have not been established.Hence,this study was done to determine if they were tribal differences in footprint dimensions.Materials and Methods:The footprints of Ghanaian females,aged 19-35 years,and belonging to two tribal groups(72 Asante and 73 Fante)were recovered using an ink pad method.Height,body weight,and footprint measurements were obtained following standard procedures.Results:Although Fante females had longer foot lengths and shorter foot breadths than Asante females,the difference was significant(P<0.001)only in the left big toe-pad length(eta squared=0.496).Height correlated better with footprint dimensions of Fante(r=0.246-0.809)than Asante(r=0.214-0.660)females.Body weight correlated weakly with footprint dimensions.Unlike in Asante females,foot length measurements did not correlate significantly with body weight among Fante females.Conclusion:The use of mixed population in deriving stature,weight and sex equations is cautioned especially when there is increased genetic diversity.The findings of this study have important applications in forensic anthropometric investigations.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.40235053 No.40201019
文摘T he ecological footprint of China's provinces is calculated in this pap er. In general, China's development is not sustainable because its ecological footprint is beyond its bio-capacity. The sustainability status of each pr ovince in China is presented. Ulanowicz's development capacity formula w as introduced to discuss the relationship of development and ecological footprin t's diversity. The diversity of ecological impacts is related to the e fficiency with which an economy uses the source and sink services of the environment and, in this view, should be a factor in economic output. Developme nt capacity, calculated from the ecological footprint and its diversity , is used to examine the relationship of economic output with the st ructure of the ecological footprint. China and its provinces are prese nted as a case study to investigate this relationship. The analysis s hows that footprint capacity is significant in predicting economic outp ut. Increasing the ecological footprint's diversity is presented as another way to increase development capacity.
基金support of the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFD2301500)the China Agriculture System of MOF and MARA(CARS-02)the Shandong Central Guiding the Local Science and Technology Development,China(YDZX20203700002548)。
文摘The footprints of water and nitrogen(WF and NF)provide a comprehensive overview of the type and quantity of water consumption and reactive nitrogen(Nr)loss in crop production.In this study,a field experiment over two years(2019 and 2020)compared three integrated agronomic practice management(IAPM)systems:An improved management system(T2),a high-yield production system(T3),and an integrated soil-crop management system(ISCM)using a local smallholder farmer’s practice system(T1)as control,to investigate the responses of WF,Nr losses,water use efficiency(WUE),and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)to IAPM.The results showed that IAPM optimized water distribution and promoted water use by summer maize.The evapotranspiration over the whole maize growth period of IAPM increased,but yield increased more,leading to a significant increase in WUE.The WUE of the T2,T3,and ISCM treatments was significantly greater than in the T1 treatment,in 2019 and 2020respectively,by 19.8-21.5,31.8-40.6,and 34.4-44.6%.The lowest WF was found in the ISCM treatment,which was 31.0%lower than that of the T1 treatment.In addition,the ISCM treatment optimized soil total nitrogen(TN)distribution and significantly increased TN in the cultivated layer.Excessive nitrogen fertilizer was applied in treatment T3,producing the highest maize yield,and resulting in the highest Nr losses.In contrast,the ISCM treatment used a reduced nitrogen fertilizer rate,sacrificing grain yield partly,which reduced Nr losses and eventually led to a significant increase in nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen recovery.The Nr level in the ISCM treatment was34.8%lower than in the T1 treatment while NUE was significantly higher than in the T1 treatment by 56.8-63.1%in2019 and 2020,respectively.Considering yield,WUE,NUE,WF,and NF together,ISCM should be used as a more sustainable and clean system for sustainable production of summer maize.
基金supported by the Key Laboratory of Evolutionary Systematics of Vertebrates,Chinese Academy Of Sciences (No. 2011LESV008)Qijiang County Bureau of Land and Resources,Chongqing,China
文摘Three-dimensional tracks provide unique insights into the locomotor mechanics of their track makers. An isolated, large hadrosauriform print attributable to Caririchnium lotus from the ＂mid＂-Cretaceous Lotus track site （Jiaguan Formation） in China permits reconstruction of the footfall, weight-bearing, and kick-off phases of the step cycle. Large-scale modifications of the pes during the step cycle indicate C. lotus trackmakers were capable of locomotory modifications in response to substrate consistency beyond the ＂expected＂ shift between bipedal and quadrupedal postures. An unusual curvature to the trace of one of the outer digits indicates substantial transverse mobility. The remaining digits demonstrate lesser degrees of transverse movement accompanied by extension of the digits during footfall. The absence of overprinted scale-scratch marks and toe drags are consistent with a vertical kick-off of the pes and concomitant flexion of the digits. This track suggests that pedal mobility in C. lotus track makers was greater than previously suspected and has implications for reconstructions of hadrosauriform locomotion.
文摘Soil plays a critical role in providing various Ecosystem Services (ESs) that are beneficial to humanity. Services such as clean air, water, and food production are directly or indirectly provided through soils. The soil ecosystem is considered as the most important Carbon (C) sink in terrestrial systems, and human activities, particularly land use, impact ESs and increase carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Mapping ESs and assessing the risks associated with climate-related hydro-meteorological hazards and soil degradation can contribute to making spatial decisions for planning more climate-resilient. Indeed, strategies based on soil ecosystem services provide valuable insight for enhancing the resilience of spatial decision-making in adapting to climate change. The aim of this article is to illuminate the significance of SoES in the spatial planning decision-making for better integration and adaptation into climate change adaptation policies as a decision support tool. In this regard, ESs related to climate change were highlighted and mapped, and their suitability for settlement development decisions and relation with ESs’ integrity were assessed through weighted multi-criteria analysis, while discussing the contributions of this process to climate change adaptation. Incorporating Social-Ecological Systems (SoESs) factors into suitability analysis is crucial for comprehensive urban planning, particularly in the context of climate change adaptation and environmental protection. In this study, two settlement suitability analyses were conducted. The first analysis considered various factors, such as land use, soil classification, DEM (Digital Elevation Model), and slope. The second analysis utilized weighted climate-related SoES indicators, including soil depth, soil carbon sequestration capacity, soil loss, flood risk, temperature, and precipitation. The results revealed that the SoES-based suitability analysis was more stringent in identifying suitable areas for urban development and offered a more holistic
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.92055212)the State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources,China University of Geosciences,Wuhan(No.GPMR202105).
文摘It is the first time that the fossil footprints of a group of Middle Eocene elephant ancestors have been discovered in the Gonjo Basin,East Tibet Plateau.The Gonjo Formation is attributed to the Middle Eocene Epoch(U-Pb age=44.7±1.2 Ma)and consists mainly of purplish-red,medium-to coarse-grained sandstones,siltstones interbedded with mudstones,and conglomerates with sedimentary structures like ripple marks,rip-up clasts,and trough-cross bedding,suggesting fluvial-lacustrine systems.The group of fossil footprints has a characteristic oval-concave shape,and the toe impressions are absent.Some fossil footprints are overstepped with a pockmarked texture resembling Proboscipeda enigmatica.More than 165 fossil footprints of the group are relatively well-preserved with different diameters,which is evidence of highly social behavior and trackmakers of different ages,including calves,juveniles,adolescents,and adults.The size frequency of the fossil footprints enabled us to deduce the body mass,shoulder height,and hip-height distribution of the trackmakers that crossed the East Tibet Plateau 44.7 Ma ago.The trackmakers comprised an estimated average hip-height of 111.8 cm,an average shoulder height of 172.8 cm for males/155.9 cm for females,and an average body mass of approximately 1218.1 kg for males/907.8 kg for females.The abundance of fossil footprints reveals that in the Middle Eocene Epoch,the environment was extraordinarily conducive for the elephant ancestors to live in the East Tibet region.
基金the BJAST Youth Backbone Training Plan(No.2014-08) for the financial support
文摘In recent years, the discoveries of dinosaur footprints have been successively reported from Dianshi Town, Zizhou City, Shaanxi Province. The footprints include the tracks of theropod, ornithopod and sauropod as well. Actually, the dinosaur footprints were found by local inhabitants much earlier in history, but not for science. The slabs bearing the dinosaur footprints were collected for domestic use, such as building stones, millstones, cellar covers, sheepfold fences, windlass holders, etc. This paper is to describe the dinosaur footprints on both sides of three slabs used for cellar covers, sheepfold fences and windlass holders by the local people. 24 dinosaur footprints and 4 trackways have been recognized and all of them belong to theropod. Four kinds of dinosaur footprints are identified, including 1 new ichnogenus and 2 new ichnospecies： （1） Shanbeipus caudatus ichnogen, et ichnosp, nov.; （2） Pengxianpus yulinensis ichnosp, nov.; （3） Eubrontes ichnosp; （4） Kayentapus ichnosp. Dinosaur-footprint-bearing beds were initially identified as the Fuxian Formation of the Lower Jurassic. Multipal dinosaur footprints associated with fragment plant fossils suggest a humid fluviolacustrine environment setting in the Ordos Basin during the early period of the Jurassic.
文摘During the early two decades of third millennium, many Mesozoic and Cenozoic biotas belong to plesiosaur, Titanosauriformes, titanosaurs, theropods, Mesoeucrocodiles, pterosaur, bird, snake, fishes, mammals, eucrocodiles, invertebrates and plants from Pakistan were found. Previously a few were formally published according to nomenclatural rules. Most of the Mesozoic vertebrates were formally published in August 2021, and the remaining Mesozoic and Cenozoic biotas are being formally described here.
基金This research was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFD1000701 and 2019YFD1002701)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA26050101).
文摘Domestication and diversification have had profound effects on crop genomes.Originating in Africa and subsequently spreading to different continents,sorghum(Sorghum bicolor)has experienced multiple onsets of domestication and intensive breeding selection for various end uses.However,how these processes have shaped sorghum genomes is not fully understood.In the present study,population genomics analyses were performed on a worldwide collection of 445 sorghum accessions,covering wild sorghum and four end-use subpopulations with diverse agronomic traits.Frequent genetic exchanges were found among various subpopulations,and strong selective sweeps affected 14.68%(∼107.5 Mb)of the sorghum genome,including 3649,4287,and 3888 genes during sorghum domestication,improvement of grain sorghum,and improvement of sweet sorghum,respectively.Eight different models of haplotype changes in domestication genes from wild sorghum to landraces and improved sorghum were observed,and Sh1-and SbTB1-type genes were representative of two prominent models,one of soft selection or multiple origins and one of hard selection or an early single domestication event.We also demonstrated that the Dry gene,which regulates stem juiciness,was unconsciously selected during the improvement of grain sorghum.Taken together,these findings provide new genomic insights into sorghum domestication and breeding selection,and will facilitate further dissection of the domestication and molecular breeding of sorghum.
文摘The correlation between technological innovation,economic growth,renewable energy,and ecological footprint carries significant policy implications for environmental sustainability.Furthermore,financial inclusion can drastically affect the technology-climate nexus across different countries and its moderating impacts have received sufficient attention.To do this,this study examined how technological innovation,financial inclusion,economic growth,and renewable energy affected emerging economies’ecological footprint from 1990 to 2019.Additionally,this study also scrutinizes the moderating role of financial inclusion with other regressors on ecological footprint.To account for structural shifts,disguised cointegration,and numerous breaks in panel regression,this study applies advanced panel estimation methods for empirical analysis.The estimated outcomes exhibit that the influence of technical innovation,climate technologies,and renewable energy significantly reduces the ecological footprint levels.Besides,economic growth and financial inclusion significantly increase the ecological footprint levels in the emerging economies.Furthermore,the integration of innovative technology and renewable energy in emerging countries mitigates the adverse effects of financial inclusion by making it easier for creative technologies and reducing ecological footprints.These results show that emerging countries’innovative technology and renewable energy sources should be integrated with financial inclusion to enable longterm mitigation of environmental damages and sustainable growth.Based on these estimated findings,the research recommends that emerging economies should hasten technological innovations along with stronger financial development to curtail ecological concerns without hindering the pace of sustainable economic growth.
文摘Background:Footprints recovered from crime scenes can assist in establishing the identity(stature,body weight,and sex)of a person.Due to variations(genetic and environmental factors)in the morphology of the foot,several authors have derived populationspecific regression equations for stature and weight estimations.Aims and Objectives:Tribal differences in the footprint dimensions of Ghanaians have not been established.Hence,this study was done to determine if they were tribal differences in footprint dimensions.Materials and Methods:The footprints of Ghanaian females,aged 19-35 years,and belonging to two tribal groups(72 Asante and 73 Fante)were recovered using an ink pad method.Height,body weight,and footprint measurements were obtained following standard procedures.Results:Although Fante females had longer foot lengths and shorter foot breadths than Asante females,the difference was significant(P<0.001)only in the left big toe-pad length(eta squared=0.496).Height correlated better with footprint dimensions of Fante(r=0.246-0.809)than Asante(r=0.214-0.660)females.Body weight correlated weakly with footprint dimensions.Unlike in Asante females,foot length measurements did not correlate significantly with body weight among Fante females.Conclusion:The use of mixed population in deriving stature,weight and sex equations is cautioned especially when there is increased genetic diversity.The findings of this study have important applications in forensic anthropometric investigations.
