Background: Human genetics are known as hereditary traits which include the dominant and recessive traits in humans which could be transmitted through both Mendelian and non-Mendelian fashion.
Aim: To determine and compare the pattern of morphogenetic traits common with the Efiks and Ikwerre tribes of Nigeria.
Materials & Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out within the space of 3 months in Rivers and Cross-rivers states of Nigeria. 461 subjects (306 Ikwerres and 155 Efiks) of Nigerian population who were within the ages of 10-65years were recruited for the study after informed consent. Materials for precision of measurement & photography such as hand lens, digital camera, measuring tapes and writing materials were adequately employed. Data on morpho-genetical traits were collected and analyzed from unrelated individuals belonging to both sexes from the study population groups; taking into consideration factors like tribe, consanguity, and age.
Results: The data collected from the study were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 17. The Ikwerre tribe who had dimples and who those who did not have were 98 (32%) and 208 (68%) respectively. The Efik tribe possession and absence of dimples were 53 (34%) and 102 (66%) respectively. The variation in the morphogenetic traits was significant (p<0.05) across the two ethnic groups tested. It can therefore be deduced that trait combination can be used to predict the tribe of an individual considering the most common traits present morphologically.