<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The relationship between the second and the fourth digit in the human hand, the 2D:4D index, is considered a putative marker
of exposure to prenatal testosterone. Much research has been done in the attempt to associate the 2D:4D index and physical
characteristics as well as cognitive skills and behavioral patterns. It has been suggested that these characteristics and behavioral
patterns may be linked to high levels of testosterone. The basis for considering the 2D:4D index a marker of prenatal exposure to
testosterone, and the influence of prenatal and circulating testosterone on behavior are reviewed. Furthermore, it is discussed whether
forensic medicine may benefit from identification of a marker of behavioral predispositions. It seems that it is not possible to derive any
valid information on predispositions from finger length ratio, however the field of 2D:4D research might benefit from forensic studies.</p></abstract>

The relationship between the second and the fourth digit in the human hand, the 2D:4D index, is considered a putative marker
of exposure to prenatal testosterone. Much research has been done in the attempt to associate the 2D:4D index and physical
characteristics as well as cognitive skills and behavioral patterns. It has been suggested that these characteristics and behavioral
patterns may be linked to high levels of testosterone. The basis for considering the 2D:4D index a marker of prenatal exposure to
testosterone, and the influence of prenatal and circulating testosterone on behavior are reviewed. Furthermore, it is discussed whether
forensic medicine may benefit from identification of a marker of behavioral predispositions. It seems that it is not possible to derive any
valid information on predispositions from finger length ratio, however the field of 2D:4D research might benefit from forensic studies.

Finger lengths and behavior: Is the 2D:4D index of interest in 
forensic medicine?

Unit of Forensic Anthropology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen. 
Frederik d. 5.´s Vej 11, DK-2100 Copenhagen

Scandinavian Journal of Forensic Science

The relationship between the second and the fourth digit in the human hand, the 2D:4D index, is considered a putative marker
of exposure to prenatal...

Finger lengths and behavior: Is the 2D:4D index of interest in forensic medicine?

Published Online: Dec 31, 2013

Page range: 55 - 58

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sjfs-2013-0009

Keywords
2D:4D, digit length ratio, behavior, testosterone, forensic medicine

This content is open access.