We all know that we can inherit many traits, physical features, and other characteristics from our parents. However, there are also a lot of surprising qualities that many people don’t know that can be passed on through generations. This list reveals 17 genetic traits you probably didn’t know you inherited from your parents.
Sensitivity to Bitter Foods
According to Healthline, about 25% of the population is particularly sensitive to bitter tastes. But did you know that this sensitivity can be passed down by your parents? This trait is related to variations in the taste receptor gene known as TAS2R38.
Risk-Taking Behavior
If you see yourself as an adrenaline junkie or risk-taker, you may have your ancestors to thank for your daredevilish ways. Some people are genetically predisposed to enjoy riskier kinds of hobbies and activities, such as extreme sports, skydiving, and rock climbing.
Optimism
While there are many reasons behind someone’s tendency to be more optimistic or pessimistic, you may be surprised to hear that genetics can play a role. Variations in the gene responsible for oxytocin receptors can cause some people to be more optimistic than others.
Empathy
Similarly, one’s capacity for empathy can also be affected by variations in the same oxytocin receptor gene, meaning that empathetic parents may be more likely to have empathetic children. This trait is also associated with prosocial behaviors and the ability to emotionally relate to other people.
Photic Sneeze Reflex
Scientific American states that around 18% to 35% of the population experiences the photic sneeze reflex, also known as Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio Ophthalmic Outburst (ACHOO) syndrome. This reflex causes people to sneeze in bright light, such as sunlight, and can be inherited from one’s parents.
Trusting Nature
If you notice that you tend to be more trusting than most people, you may want to consider whether your parents exhibit the same trait. This inclination is likely to have a genetic component, as studies on twins seem to suggest that identical twins exhibit more similar trust tendencies than fraternal ones.
Morning or Night Person
Whether you identify as more of an early bird or a night owl, it’s quite likely that this tendency may have been influenced by your parents’ genes. However, there are also many other factors that play a role in one’s sleep habits, such as mental health, activity levels, and diet.
Weight Management
Some people seem to struggle much more with keeping the weight off than others. But did you know that genetics can contribute to this issue? Genetic variations can affect how much white and brown fat your body holds onto, which influences your body weight and metabolism.
Onset of Puberty
The timing of your puberty is another thing that can be affected by your parents’ genes. This means that if one of your parents experienced an early or late puberty, you may be more likely to have a similar experience as you grow up.
Memory and Alzheimer’s Risk
The Alzheimer’s Association asserts that some genes can increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s at some point in your life. Sadly, this means that if your parents or grandparents developed the disease, you may be more prone to it yourself.
Fertility Factors
One’s fertility can also be influenced by genes inherited by one’s parents. So if you’re experiencing fertility problems, it could be a good idea to speak to your doctor or a fertility specialist to find out whether it could be related to a genetic issue.
Hair Loss Patterns
Men often look to their fathers to judge how likely they are to start losing hair, but a mother’s genetics influence this likelihood. Being aware of your genetic predisposition to hair loss or other hair issues can help you take pre-emptive measures to avoid it.
Freckle Formation
According to Oxford Academic, the presence of freckles is associated with MC1R gene variations. This means that if one or both of your parents have freckles, you’re significantly more likely to have them yourself. Freckles are also more common in people who have fair skin and red hair.
Curly Hair Genetics
Have you noticed that curly-haired parents often have curly-haired kids? That’s because the shape of your hair follicles is largely determined by your genetics, influencing whether your hair appears straight or curly. Knowing about your parents’ and grandparents’ hair types and needs can help you learn more about your own.
Hand Preference
Only about 10% of the population is left-handed. While it’s likely that cultural influences and societal expectations play a large role in this, genetics also factor into the equation. If one of your close ancestors was left-handed, you may be more likely to be a lefty yourself.
Red/Green Color Blindness
Red/green color blindness is directly related to a gene on your X chromosome. This is why men are much more likely to have this form of colorblindness, as they only have one X chromosome. On the other hand, women would have to inherit the trait from both parents to be affected.
Ability to Taste PTC (Phenylthiocarbamide)
PTC, also known as phenylthiocarbamide, is a chemical compound that 25% of the population cannot taste. Those who do typically experience PTC as being bitter-tasting. The ability to taste this compound is directly related to a gene that codes for a specific taste receptor.
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