Have you ever wondered why you seem to have specific quirks, features, or abilities utterly different from your family members? Well, it turns out that some of these traits may have been inherited from only one parent — either your mom or your dad. So, forget about the classic nature vs nurture debate for a moment, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of genetics.
1. Physical features — Inherited from the mother
Some physical features, such as hair color, hair texture, hairline, skin, and varicose veins, are also linked to the X chromosome and tend to be inherited from your mother.
2. Height — Inherited from the father
Are you familiar with the phrase, “he’s tall like his father”? Apparently, this statement is backed by science. The height of a person is determined by at least 700 genetic variations inherited from both parents. However, each parent’s height gene appears to work in a slightly different way. For example, the genes of the father are important in stimulating growth and therefore height.
3. Sleeping patterns — Inherited from the mother
Your sleeping habits may also be inherited from your mother. A study found that mothers pass on their circadian rhythms (the natural cycles of sleeping and waking) to their children more than fathers do. This means that if your mother is a night owl or an early bird, you may be one too.
4. Crooked teeth — Inherited from the father
In cases where the father has poor dental health, the child is more likely to visit the dentist’s office more often than his peers, even if his mother has a great set of teeth. Everything from cavities to tooth decay, and all the dental issues in between, can come straight from the father’s mouth.
6. Mood and emotions — Inherited from the mother
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that the brain’s corticolimbic system, responsible for regulating emotion and associated with mood disorders, is more likely to be passed down from mother to daughter than from mother to son or father to child.
7. Gender — Inherited from the father
Dads are 100% responsible for the gender of their newborns. The X and Y chromosomes, commonly known as sex chromosomes, define the child’s gender. Girls inherit an X chromosome from their father, resulting in a XX genotype, and males inherit a Y chromosome from their father, resulting in an XY genotype. Because mothers only pass X chromosomes, the fathers are in total control of the gender.
8. Dimples — Inherited from the father
In many cultures, dimples are seen as a mark of beauty and attractiveness. However, scientists describe dimples as a defect that was caused due to shortened facial muscles. Dimples are assumed to be inherited since they are a dominant genetic trait and are more commonly inherited from the father.
9. Fingerprints — Inherited from the father
There are no 2 fingerprints exactly alike since they are a one-of-a-kind pattern. Nevertheless, a baby’s fingerprints may resemble those of their father! Fingerprint patterns are genetic traits inherited from our dads.
10. Sneezing — Inherited from the father
Many of us know at least one person who sneezes uncontrollably when staring at the sun or other bright lights. Well, this is another genetic trait that the father is responsible for. This condition is known as Achoo syndrome and is more likely to be passed down on the father’s side.
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