Our planet is inhabited by billions of people, some of whom look alike and are located in different parts of the world. Some even have common ancestors that give them this appearance, but the cause of such cases goes back much further in evolution.
Similarities between family members, whether parents, children, or more distant relatives, have long attracted the attention of scientists around the world. Some families have strikingly similar facial features, while others show little physical resemblance. Our natural curiosity about how our appearance is shaped leads us to wonder what exactly influences our facial features. That’s why researchers decided to talk about the key factors that determine how similar or different we will be to our relatives, according to Discover Magazine.
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While genetics are known to play an important role, our environment also plays a role in how we look. People’s facial features are determined primarily by genetics. Research by scientists such as John R. Shaffer, professor of human genetics at the University of Pittsburgh, has identified hundreds of genes associated with facial features; but this is only a small fraction (about 14 percent) of the total number of genes associated with facial features. may affect facial structure.
Important
While we have some understanding, much remains unknown, notes his colleague Seth Weinberg, co-director of the university’s Center for Craniofacial and Dentofacial Genetics. Genetic inheritance is highly polygenic, meaning that many genes contribute to different aspects of facial development, so despite the complexity of genetic interactions, family members may share features such as a grandfather’s nose or a parent’s chin.
Heredity studies, especially those involving twins, show that up to 80% of our facial features are inherited. Schaffer’s research also highlights the overlap of genes that shape the face and brain during development, suggesting a “biological crosstalk” between the two. Despite extensive research, it is still unclear which parent has more influence on a child’s facial features, and scientists like Weinberg acknowledge that such research is in its infancy.
But genetics isn’t the only factor. Environmental influences also play a role in shaping our face. Professor Benedikt Hallgrimsson from the University of Calgary points out that factors such as malnutrition can lead to visible differences in facial structure, with patients often appearing older or taller than they would with a normal diet. Additionally, exposure to environmental toxins, especially during pregnancy, can affect facial development. This adds another layer of complexity to our understanding of how external factors and genes interact to create our unique traits.
The question of why family members look the same despite the large number of genes remains partially unanswered. Researchers like Hallgrímsson marvel at how thousands of genes can contribute to specific facial features, such as the nose or jawline. But these inheritance patterns persist, reflecting the enormous role of genetic inheritance in our appearance.
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Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.