Variability and formal genetics of labial grooves

320 adults and 100 family tercettes from the area of Hamburg were studied concerning the distribution and frequency of different lip patterns as well as special structures of lip ridges (whorls). Dividing the material in three phenotypic classes the phenotype corresponding to less wrinkle intensity was found to be most frequent. Simple branching ridges and complicated phenotypes were present in almost similar frequency. The complicated patterns as well as structural details were more frequent among males. In the family tercettes, the offsprings from parents with less branching patterns showed a wide range of variation. Dominant genetic factors could be suggested for the manifestation of paramedial double whorls on the lower lip. Embryological considerations as well as studies by Hirth et al. (1977) agree to these interpretations.