Sex Dimorphism in the Adult Stature of a Nigerian Population

Abstract

The heights of 402 males and 268 females aged 20-28 years were measured. The absolute and relative sex differences were calculated and compared with data from various racial groups. The study showed that the relative sex dimorphism was lower than the values reported for Europeans and Asians but similar to those reported for sub-Saharan Africans. It also showed that the low sex dimorphism in adult stature was not primarily due to poor nutrition. Genetic factors appear to play an important role in the determination of sex dimorphism in stature. It will be inappropriate to use sex dimorphism in stature as a good index of the health status of a population.