Abstract

MENDEZ, Marta Graciela  and  FERRARINI, Stella Ofelia. Sexual dimorphism and ethnic differentiation: adiposity in Toba and Wichi children and adolescents. Cuad. Fac. Humanid. Cienc. Soc., Univ. Nac. Jujuy [online]. 2007, n.32, pp.241-253. ISSN 1668-8104.

Life history theory affirms that organisms must assign finite time and energy to a set of competitive functions: growth, maintenance, reproduction or energy storage. The primary function of body fat is to serve as energy store and developmental changes in adiposity are understood as preparation for future energetic challenges. In this paper we examine changes in adiposity across ages in Toba and Wichi in order to understand the adaptative basis of growth pattern. Anthropometric variables used were: arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness; with both, arm's total area (TA), arm's muscular area, (MA) y arm's fat area (FA) were computed. Individual data were age and sex clustered; mean and standard deviation were computed for each variable. Sexual differences appear in all variables. Girls have higher values than boys in TA. Toba's girls and Wichi's boys were higher in MA. Girls of both ethnics groups were higher in FA. Wherefore, girls have higher TA because they have higher adiposity. Ethnic differences are present in higher values for TA and MA in Toba and for FA in Wichi. Living in a same environment, these differences are consequence of better diet in Toba and ancestry differences.

Keywords : Adiposity; Dimorphism; Ethnic differentiation; Toba; Wichi.

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