Fróðskaparrit - 01.01.1979, Qupperneq 52

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Anthropological and Genetic Studies of the Faroese
of these aspects of the study, the results of which are now
available, that the authors have been involved. In addition
over 600 blood samples were collected for the determination
of serological and biochemical characteristics of the Faroese
but their analysis is not as yet complete. A number of inter-
esting findings have emerged so far and the results allow cer-
tain conclusions to be drawn about genetic relationsships with-
in the Faroe Islands and between the Faroese and neighbouring
populations.
The Anthropometric Survey
A total of 155 young adult men took part in the anthropo-
metric survey which involved 17 different measurements on
each individual. The subjects were from the Teachers Training
College in Tórshavn, the Navigation Schools in Tórshavn and
Klaksvík and from sports clubs in Klaksvík and Tvøroyri.
In addition 12 of the fathers of children attending the Peadia-
tric survey at Klaksvík hospital were measured. Some of the
results together with comparative data for other North Atlan-
tic populations are shown in Table 1. In interpreting the Nor-
wegian data it is important to note that the study was per-
formed in 1929. During recent decades the populations of
many parts of the world including Scandinavia have been
increasing in average height at a rate of about 1 cm per de-
cade. The value given for Norwegian stature is consequently
approximately 5 cm less than would be expected for the same
population at the present time.
The Faroese are a tall people, similar in stature to the Ice-
landers. Head dimensions resemble those of Icelanders and
Orkney Islanders. The cephalic index (Head Breadth/Head
Length x 100) is similar to that for the neighbouring popu-
lations quoted. All values lie in the range 76 to 80.9 and indi-
cate neither relatively long nor broad heads, a condition known
as mesocephaly. The head and face measurements taken on
the Faroese subjects are illustrated in Figure 1.
The bizygomatic diameter indicates that like the Icelanders,