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This study examines the distribution of properdin factor B by means of electrophoresis on cellulose acetate in a sample of 780 individuals from seven historical/geographical areas of Sardinia: Nurra, Goceano, Nuorese, Arborea, Sarcidano, Ogliastra, Campidano di Cagliari. The gene frequencies obtained for the total sample are BF*S = 0.595, BF*F = 0.227, BF*S1 = 0.012, BF*F1 = 0.166. Division of the total sample into subsamples has highlighted some noticeable differences both among the historical/geographical areas considered and with mainland Italy. In Sardinia relatively low frequencies of the allele BF*S are accompanied by exceptionally high incidences of the variant allele BF*F1, which reaches a maximum in the Goceano area (0.2143).

This paper discusses some problems relating to the study and the utilization of discontinuous traits in anthropology. The importance of sex, age and laterality in the manifestation of these traits is discussed on the basis of investigations on a numerous skeletal sample of Siena (Tuscany, Italy) and on data from literature. It is pointed out that sides and sexes should be considered separately. The age of adult subjects seems to be insignificant as the incidence of these traits is concerned.