Inherited traits are physical characteristics determined by DNA. These characteristics are genetically passed down from your mother or father to you. When the DNA from parents combines, a child inherits both dominant and recessive genes that determine a vast range of possible inherited traits, from hair color to the length of the toes. Some traits are due to only one gene, while some are the product of several genes working together.
Earlobe Attachment
An earlobe that is rounded and hangs free from the face is described as a "detached" earlobe, whereas an earlobe that directly fastened to the face is described as "attached." While it is controversial, many scientists believe earlobe attachment is controlled by a single gene. Detached earlobes are caused by a dominant gene, and attached earlobes come from a recessive gene.
Ear size and shape, as well as ear wax type, are also controlled by genetics.
Tongue Rolling
If you can roll or curl your tongue into a tube, you are considered a tongue roller. There is some controversy regarding whether tongue rolling is actually genetically controlled, but many think it is another inherited trait controlled by a single gene. According to the Genetic Science Learning Center, studies of identical twins dispute this finding, as many pairs of identical twins-- approximately 30 percent--do not share tongue rolling ability.
Other examples of mouth-related inherited traits include sense of taste and the occurrence of cleft lip or palate. although, according to the March of Dimes, cleft lip/palate can also be caused by environmental factors or genetic mutations.
Dimples
Dimples are small dents in the face on either side of the mouth that are usually visible when a person smiles. A person can have a single dimple or dimples on both sides. These features are determined by a single dominant gene. If both parents have dimples, there is a 50 percent chance their child will have dimples.
Other facial features that are inherited and controlled through genetics are eye color and shape, nose shape and size, face shape, eyebrow shape and color, hairline shape and skin color.
Member Comments