A new study from Concordia University concludes that the length between a man’s second and fourth finger indicates higher levels of prenatal testosterone, risk-taking, and potential financial success. These findings, published in the journal of Personality and Individual Differences, suggest that men with such physical characteristics (also known as “alpha males”) may take greater risks in relationships, in athletic competitions, and in financial investments.

According to Gad Saad, Concordia University Research Chair in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences and Darwinian Consumption: “Previous studies have linked high testosterone levels with risky behaviour and financial success. We investigated the relationship between prenatal testosterone and various risk proclivities. Our findings show an association between high testosterone and risk-taking among males in three domains: recreational, social and financial.”[audio:http://hospitalstay.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/02-Ocean-Size.mp3|titles=Ocean Size]Another author, Concordia doctoral student Eric Stenstrom, added: “Since women tend to be attracted to men who are fit, assertive and rich, men are apt to take risks with sports, people and money to be attractive to potential mates. What’s interesting is that this tendency is influenced by testosterone exposure – more testosterone in the womb can lead to more risks in the rink, the bar and the trading floor in later in life.”

Using a survey, the study reviewed risk-taking among 413 male and female students. Study co-author Zack Mendenhall added: “Prenatal testosterone exposure not only influences fetal brain development, but it also slows the growth of the index finger relative to the sum of the four fingers excluding the thumb.”

The study compared the length of the index finger with all four digits and concluded that those with lower ratios were more likely to engage in risk-taking. These findings were further confirmed by the additional measurement of the ratio between the index and ring finger. These correlations were only observed in men.