Abstract:

Objective To focus on the variation rule of morphological characteristics of rural Han Chinese adults in districts of different mean annual temperature, and to try to verify whether they were consistent with Allen’s Rule. Methods Sixteen indicators including statures and body weights of 16,501 cases of Chinese rural Han adults in 36 districts across China were measured from 2009 to 2013 and 6 indices were calculated. Results Upper extremity length, forearm length and SUELI were positively correlated with the mean annual temperature. Maximum forearm circumference and FLGI (and UALGI of female) were negatively correlated with the mean annual temperature. The larger of thigh of male made their lower limbs larger as mean annual temperature went down. Their lower limbs were a little more stout. The length and circumferences of lower limb of female had no significant change when mean annual temperature went down. Conclusion As mean annual temperature goes down, the change of upper limb of Chinese rural Han is consistent with Allen’s Rule, and the change of lower limb is not consistent with Allen’s Rule.

Key words: Allen’s rule, Mean annual temperature, Physical characteristics, Physical anthropology, Han