You inherited way more than your mom’s eyes: 25 bizarre traits hiding in your DNA

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You inherited way more than your mom’s eyes: 25 bizarre traits hiding in your DNA

By Chuvic - June 23, 2025

When you glance in the mirror, you might see your mom’s eye color or your dad’s nose, but your DNA is working overtime behind the scenes. Genes aren’t just responsible for the obvious family resemblances—they’re also the blueprint for a host of quirky and unexpected traits you might never suspect. From the way you sneeze in sunlight to your taste for cilantro, your genetic code is a treasure trove of surprises. Get ready to uncover 25 truly bizarre traits you didn’t know you inherited!

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1. Cilantro Taste Aversion

You inherited way more than your mom’s eyes: 25 bizarre traits hiding in your DNA — Freshly picked cilantro and assorted herbs are arranged on a rustic table, ready for a lively taste test. | Photo by Photo Reditor on Unsplash

Ever bitten into salsa and thought it tasted like soap? You’re not alone. This odd reaction is linked to a variation in the OR6A2 gene, which changes how you perceive certain aldehydes—compounds found in cilantro. For those with this genetic quirk, cilantro can taste downright unpleasant, while others blissfully enjoy its fresh flavor. Learn more about this fascinating trait that divides taste buds around the world.

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2. Hitchhiker’s Thumb

Can you bend your thumb backward at a sharp angle, almost like you’re thumbing a ride? This unusual flexibility, known as hitchhiker’s thumb or distal hyperextensibility, is determined by a simple genetic variation. If you have it, chances are someone else in your family does too! It’s a quirky inherited trait that’s more common than you might think. Read more about this genetic oddity.

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3. Earwax Type

Did you know your earwax reveals your genetic heritage? There are two main kinds: wet and dry. The ABCC11 gene determines which type you have. People of African and European descent usually have wet earwax, while dry earwax is common in East Asian populations. This tiny detail is a fascinating marker of ancestry hiding in your DNA. Read more about how your genes shape your earwax.

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4. Ability to Smell Asparagus in Urine

Ever noticed a strange smell after eating asparagus? Not everyone can! This quirky trait is due to genetic variations in your odor receptors—if you’re “asparagus anosmic,” you simply can’t detect the scent. Whether you notice it or not is determined by your DNA, making this a truly unique inherited quirk. Details here on the science behind this curious phenomenon.

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5. Sneezing in Sunlight (Photic Sneeze Reflex)

Have you ever stepped into bright sunlight and felt an uncontrollable urge to sneeze? You might have the photic sneeze reflex, also known as Achoo Syndrome. Around 18-35% of people inherit this peculiar trait, but scientists are still unraveling exactly which genes are involved. It’s a harmless but surprising example of how your DNA can affect your daily life in unexpected ways. Learn more about this bright idea from your genes.

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6. Tongue Rolling

Can you roll your tongue into a tube? This party trick is often cited as a classic example of a genetic trait, with the ability believed to be inherited. However, recent research suggests it’s not quite so simple—other factors may also play a role. Reference this fascinating debate in genetics to learn more.

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7. Widow’s Peak

If your hairline forms a distinct V-shape in the center of your forehead, you have what’s called a widow’s peak. This striking feature tends to run in families and is believed to be a dominant inherited trait. While its precise genetic roots are still being explored, it remains one of the more noticeable quirks passed down through generations. More info on this fascinating hairline pattern.

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8. Freckles

Those sun-kissed brown spots sprinkled across your nose and cheeks? They’re called freckles, and their appearance is largely determined by genetics—specifically, variations in the MC1R gene. Freckles are especially common in families with lighter skin tones and often become more noticeable with sun exposure. If you have them, you’re likely not alone in your family tree! Source for the science behind this charming trait.

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9. Dimples

Cheek dimples often catch the eye and add a playful twist to your smile. These little indentations are inherited and result from unique variations in facial muscle structure. Typically, dimples are considered a dominant genetic trait, often making them a family hallmark. See more about the genetics behind this adorable quirk.

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10. Red Hair

Red hair is one of the rarest hair colors in the world, and it’s all thanks to mutations in the MC1R gene. This fiery hue is most common among people of Northern and Western European descent. Redheads usually have fair skin and are more sensitive to sunlight—a unique genetic combination that stands out in any crowd. Read more about the science of red hair.

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11. Lactose Tolerance or Intolerance

Can you enjoy a glass of milk without discomfort? Lactose tolerance or intolerance is written in your genes. Most people naturally lose the ability to digest lactose—the sugar in dairy—after childhood. However, some populations, particularly in Europe and parts of Africa, have a genetic mutation that allows them to keep this ability into adulthood. Details about how your DNA decides your dairy destiny.

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12. Male Pattern Baldness

That familiar receding hairline and thinning crown, known as male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia, is a highly heritable trait. Genes on the X chromosome—often inherited from your mother—play a major role, but other genetic factors are involved too. If baldness runs in your family, your DNA likely has something to do with it. Learn more about the science of hair loss.

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13. Unibrow

Sporting a single, continuous eyebrow—better known as a unibrow—is a distinct and often hereditary feature. Multiple genes influence this trait, and it can be found in various populations worldwide. If your family members share this bold brow style, genetics likely plays a big part. Source for the fascinating genetics behind the unibrow.

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14. Finger Length Ratio

Take a look at your hand—does your index finger or ring finger come out longer? The ratio between these two, known as the 2D:4D ratio, is shaped by both genetics and prenatal androgen exposure. Fascinatingly, some research suggests this ratio could be connected to athletic ability or even the risk of certain health conditions. More info on the science behind your finger lengths.

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15. Blue Eyes

If you have blue eyes, you’re part of a unique genetic club. All blue-eyed people share a common ancestor, thanks to a mutation near the OCA2 gene. This striking eye color is most frequently found in people of European ancestry and is a relatively recent development in human evolution. Read more about the origins of blue eyes.

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16. Double-Jointedness (Joint Hypermobility)

If you can bend your fingers or limbs farther than most, you might be double-jointed—a trait known as joint hypermobility. This unusual flexibility results from genetic variations that affect connective tissues, making joints looser. For many, it’s just a fun party trick, but in some cases, it’s linked to medical syndromes. Details about what makes some people extra bendy.

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17. Attached or Detached Earlobes

Take a peek at your earlobes—are they attached or do they dangle freely? This small difference is determined by genetic variants and is often used as a classic example of Mendelian inheritance in biology classes. Whether your earlobes are attached or detached, it’s a quirky trait you might share with your family. Source for more on this textbook genetic feature.

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18. Ability to Taste PTC

Ever tried a strip of paper in science class that tasted incredibly bitter? That’s phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), and only some people can taste its bitterness. This ability is inherited and has long been used as a classroom experiment to illustrate genetic inheritance. If you can taste PTC, you likely have a specific genetic variant in your family tree. See more about this genetic taste test.

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19. Eye Color Variations

Eye color isn’t limited to just brown, blue, or green. Thanks to complex genetic interactions among multiple genes, some people have hazel, gray, or even rare patterns like sectoral heterochromia—when different parts of the iris are different colors. These unique hues and patterns are a testament to the intricate dance of DNA in determining our appearance. Learn more about the genetics behind your eye color.

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20. Hair Whorl Direction

Ever noticed the swirl pattern at the crown of your head? The direction—clockwise or counterclockwise—of your hair whorl is influenced by your genes, though scientists are still unraveling the details. This subtle trait can be a fun family comparison and is just one more way your DNA leaves its mark. Details on the genetics of hair spirals.

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21. Tongue Folding

Can you fold your tongue into unusual shapes—like making a clover or a double roll? While genetics play a role in this unique talent, environmental factors and practice can also influence your ability. This quirky skill often sparks friendly competition at family gatherings! More info on the genetics and flexibility behind tongue folding.

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22. Color Blindness

Color blindness—especially red-green color deficiency—is a genetic trait most commonly passed down through the X chromosome. Because men have only one X chromosome, they’re far more likely to be affected than women. This inherited quirk can influence everything from art appreciation to daily life, yet often goes unnoticed until tested. Read more about the genetics of seeing the world in a different hue.

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23. Cleft Chin

That distinctive dimple in the middle of the chin, often called a cleft chin or “butt chin,” is shaped by the underlying jawbone. This eye-catching feature is typically inherited as a dominant trait, making it a signature look in some families. Look closely—you might spot it running through generations in family photos! Source for more on the genetics of cleft chins.

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24. Albinism

Albinism is a rare genetic condition that leads to very little or no melanin production, resulting in unusually light skin, hair, and eyes. This striking trait is caused by mutations in several different genes, affecting people of all backgrounds. Albinism can also influence vision and sensitivity to sunlight, making it more than just a visible difference. Learn more about the genetics and science behind albinism.

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25. Hairy Knuckles

Take a look at your hands—do you have noticeably hairy knuckles? This quirky and often overlooked feature is actually a heritable trait, more prevalent in certain populations and families. It’s one of those subtle genetic quirks you might not notice unless you compare hands with relatives. More info on the genetics behind this unusual characteristic.

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Conclusion

As we’ve seen, your DNA is a master artist, responsible for so much more than just your eye color or hair type. From quirky traits like sneezing in sunlight to the way your earlobes hang, genetics weaves a fascinating tapestry of inherited features. These little details serve as reminders of our shared ancestry and the marvels of human diversity. Take a closer look at yourself and your family—you might just discover more hidden genetic surprises!

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