Although it would be easy to assume that the color of your hair or your nut allergy is the result of a random sequence of events, many of the traits and characteristics you have were all meant to be. Thanks to hereditary genes, you are exactly who you were supposed to be - and you have these family members to thank for these traits. But have you ever wondered which genetic trait was passed down from mom, dad, grandpa or grandma? Well, read on to find out.
Natural Hair Color Is Inherited From the Grandma
In today's day and age, it's often hard to know what your natural hair color is. So many people dye and highlight their hair, often obscuring the natural color. But if you know what your natural hair color is, we'd be interested to know if it's the same color as your grandma's. After all, scientists have found that, in most cases, dominant hair colors are passed down through the female line.
Dominant hair colors include red and brown hair, while blonde is a recessive gene. That means that if your grandma was born with red or brown hair, it should have been passed down to you.
Dimples Are Inherited From the Dad
There are two kinds of people in this world; there are those who have dimples, and then there are those who don't. But even with those who do have dimples, there are small categories. After all, some people's dimples are very defined, while others are only faintly visible. And if you're someone who has dimples, does your dad have dimples, too? According to genetics, he should. That's because the prevalence of dimples is inherited from the father.
Although there are ways to mimic fake dimples, the only way a child will be born with dimples is if the father has dimples. And if the mom does, too, the dimples will be even more prominent.
Intelligence Is Inherited From the Mom
If you're a smart cookie, you probably put that down to your hard work and the hours you spent studying in your bedroom. But humans actually have a predisposition to be smart, and while intelligence as a whole can be traced back to both the mother and the father, certain aspects of intelligence are inherited from the mom. That's because intelligence is passed down through the X chromosome - and women have two X chromosomes, while men only have one.
This means that smart women normally have incredibly smart children, while smart men are less likely to have smart children. So, thank your mom next time you get a raise at work.
The Shape and Fullness of Lips Is Inherited From the Dad
We live in a world full of lip fillers and lip liners, and it seems as though more and more people are trying to make their lips look plumper and fuller. But if you have thin lips and want someone to blame, just look to your dad. The shape and fullness of your lips are actually a genetic trait inherited from your father and have nothing to do with your mom.
So, if you have full lips and get compliments on a daily basis, you might want to buy your dad a beer. All of those compliments are all thanks to him.
Hair Texture Is Inherited From the Mom
There are considered to be two main hair types; curly or straight. Most of the time, people who have curly hair wish that they had straight hair, and people with straight hair wish that they had curly hair - but have you ever wondered who you inherited this trait from? Well, your mom's genes actually determine the texture of your hair, and she normally passes down her own hair texture to her children.
So, if your mom has dry and curly hair, there's a high chance that you have dry and curly hair, too. Unfortunately, that's just the way that the genetic cookie crumbles.
Facial Shape Is Inherited From the Grandma
Face shapes are categorized into many different boxes. Some people have a round face, others have an oval shape, and there are even some who have a heart-shaped face. But no matter what facial shape you have, we can guarantee that your grandma probably has the same shape! That's because facial shape is a heredity trait that's passed down through the female side. And in some cases, children look more like their grandma than they do their dad!
If you want to check this out for yourself, take a selfie and then compare it to a photo of your grandma. We bet you'll find so many similarities you've never seen before.
Biological Sex Is Inherited From the Dad
Everyone knows that babies inherit half of their DNA from their mothers and half of their DNA from their fathers. However, the traits and characteristics within this DNA aren't split equally. In fact, it's been discovered that a person's biological sex is actually determined by the father's genes. That's because the woman's chromosomes are recessive, while a man's chromosomes are dominant - which means that they overpower the mother when it comes to deciding biological sex.
Of course, biological sex doesn't decide your gender. And while many people are assigned male and female at birth, that doesn't necessarily mean that they will identify as those genders.
Tone of Voice Is Inherited From the Grandma
There's a high chance that your tone of voice has changed over the years. Both men and women notice a change of voice when they go through hormonal changes in their bodies - and did you know that these hormonal factors are actually determined by your grandma? It's the genes passed down from your grandma that determine these things, which ultimately means that your tone of voice is determined by your grandma.
Of course, environmental and personal factors can also affect your tone of voice - and, nowadays, there is even medication you can take that can change your tone of voice, too.
Personality Traits Are Inherited From the Mom
If anyone has ever told you that you behave exactly like your mom, there's a reason for that. Some personality traits are passed down through genetics, including how socially outgoing you are! In fact, we're going to bet our bottom dollar that if you're an extrovert, you have an extroverted mom. And if you're an introvert, you probably have an introverted mom! These traits are all hereditary and all thanks to your mom.
Of course, there are some exceptions to the rule, and how you're raised does also factor into how socially outgoing you are. But for the most part, it's all genetic.
Fat Storage Is Inherited From the Dad
In today's world, every body is unique. And while two people can weigh the same, the way that they store their fat could be completely different. One may look thin, while another may look big and bulky. Most of the time, this just doesn't make sense - but it turns out that the way that our fat is stored is actually an inherited trait from our fathers. And if you want to know how you're going to store your fat, just look at your dad!
If he has a larger stomach, there's a high chance that you're going to have a larger stomach like your father. If he's thinner, though, you'll probably follow in his lead and stay thinner, too.
Sense of Humor Is Inherited From the Grandma
Having a funny sense of humor is an interesting trait. And while this is largely determined by your upbringing, your environment, and your interest in comedy, what many people don't realize is that your sense of humor is also partly genetic. For the most part, your general funniness is determined by your dad's genes - but as your grandma played a very important part in creating your father, she determined your hilarity, too.
This is often why grandchildren get on so well with their grandma, as they often share the same sense of humor and laugh at the same jokes. So, hold onto that!
The Development of the Immune System Is Inherited From the Mom
We probably don't need to tell you that the immune system is one of the most important aspects of the human body. It's this immune system that helps to fight off illnesses and keep you healthy. But, of course, the immune system can be compromised - and some people find that they have a weaker immune system than others. And considering most of the development of the immune system is determined by the mother's genes, mothers and children often have a similar immune system.
If your mom gets ill easily, you probably do, too. But if she's generally healthy, you'll probably be healthy, too! And this isn't just from genetics, either. This development also changes in the womb.
The Small Gene Is Inherited From the Mom
Your height may have been a serious bone of contention over the course of your life. Maybe you think you're too tall, maybe you think you're too short, or maybe you don't like the fact that you're average in height. But if you're on the smaller side, you have your mom to thank for that! While the tall gene is passed through a father's genetics, the short gene is passed through a mother's genetics.
This is all thanks to evolution. While men have evolved to grow as tall and strong as possible, there was previously no need for women to be on the taller side.
Sleeping Style Is Inherited From the Dad
Here's a question for you: Are you a deep sleeper? Are you an insomniac? Or do you toss and turn every night until you eventually fall asleep? One thing you might not know is that your sleep style is actually determined by genetics. How you sleep at night is determined by your father's DNA - and this even includes your predispositions for sleeping conditions such as sleep apnea and sleepwalking.
What's more, your dad's DNA also helps to determine your sleeping position. So, no matter whether you're a side sleeper, back sleeper, or front sleeper, that's all down to your dad.
Eye Color Is Inherited From the Grandma
What color eyes do you have? Brown? Blue? Hazel? Gray? Whatever the color, and no matter if you like your eye color or not, this is a hereditary trait that has been passed down the female line. This means that you got your eye color from your mom, who got it from her mom - which means that you got your eye color straight from your grandma! And that's pretty cool, right?
Of course, this doesn't happen all the time. Your grandma has to carry a dominant eye color for it to passed down, and these dominant eye colors are brown and green. Blue is recessive, which is why blue eyes are so rare.
Sense of Taste Is Inherited From the Mom
Your sense of taste is one of the most defining characteristics of you. Perhaps you love spice, or maybe you have a very sweet tooth. Whatever the case, it might interest you to know that you're probably not alone in your sense of taste. That's because this is a gene that's actually passed down through families on the mother's side. And taste preferences have been linked more to a mother's genetics than a father's genetics.
Scientists have found that your genetics can have a major impact on your preference for sweet, sour, spice, or salty food - but, of course, what you grow up on can also have a major impact.
Heart Health Is Inherited From the Dad
Keeping your heart healthy should be everyone's number one priority, but there's no doubt about the fact that some people are more predisposed to heart conditions than others. In fact, your heart health is determined by your father's DNA - which is good news if your dad has a healthy ticker. But if your father has struggled with heart concerns over the years, it's important to stay extra vigilant, as you may have inherited these, too.
It's always a good idea to get tested if your father has suffered any heart problems in the past. You may be fine, or you may need to make changes to your diet or lifestyle to keep your heart healthier.
Motivation Is Inherited From the Grandma
Everyone has their own motivations in life, whether that's to live a healthy and strong life or to achieve a promotion they've been working towards for years. Whatever your motivation or aspiration, there's a high chance that this has come straight from your grandmother. That's because your level of motivation is a mix of genetic and environmental factors, and both of these things can be traced back to your grandma.
Most of the time, it's rare to have a singular motivated individual in a family. Instead, it's often a family trait that is passed down from one generation to the next.
Fingerprint Patterns Are Inherited From the Mom
You may not have ever really looked at your fingerprint pattern. But what's so amazing about this is that it's completely unique to you. Nobody has the same fingerprint as you - and they never will. However, that doesn't mean that your fingerprint was completely random. Your pattern is hereditary and influenced by maternal genetics. That means that your mom played a part in what your fingerprint really looks like today.
That doesn't mean that your fingerprint is the same as your mom's. It just means that the genes that passed down from her side were the ones that formed your fingerprint.
Pattern Baldness Is Inherited From the Dad
Male pattern baldness is often seen as an embarrassing trait, but it's one that affects many people - and it's also one that cannot be controlled. Some men start losing their hair as young as 18 years old, and that's all down to the father's genetics. Yes, balding is hereditary and something that is passed down through the male line - which is why you see many male members of the same family who are bald.
However, having the bald gene doesn't always mean that you'll become bald yourself. Sometimes, men can carry the recessive gene, which means they may not struggle with baldness until they're much older - or not at all.
Empathy Is Inherited From the Grandma
If you see someone crying on television, does that make you cry, too? If you feel angry when someone is wronged in a movie, do you feel angry, too? If you're someone who shows empathy and is not afraid to show their emotions, then there's a high chance that your grandma does the same. That's because this trait is hereditary and passed down through genetics. Of course, it's also a learned behavior.
If your grandma taught you to understand and speak about your emotions when you were younger, you've probably continued to do this as you've gotten older. And that's a very important trait.
Birth Weight Is Inherited From the Mom
Of course, there's no denying that the overall pregnancy and the health of a mother will help to determine the weight of her baby. How much she eats, whether she encounters any health concerns, and when she gives birth will all affect how big the baby is when it's born. But what many people don't realize is that genetics also plays a major part when it comes to birth weights.
According to scientists, the heaviness of a baby is genetically determined by the mother's genes. And the likelihood is that if the mother was a heavy baby, she'll then give birth to a heavy baby.
Infertility Is Inherited From the Dad
Many people dream of the day that they'll be able to welcome a child into the world. However, this process is easier for some than others - and many people struggle with infertility. One thing you might not realize, though, is that the gene that determines your fertility is normally carried through the male line. And while this gene can skip a few generations, it's important to be on guard if anyone in your family has struggled.
Thankfully, we live in a world full of technological advancements, which means that children aren't off the table if you struggle with your fertility. From IVF to surrogacy, there are so many options.
How You Lose Weight Is Inherited From the Grandma
Some people find losing weight impossible. No matter how hard they try, they just cannot shake that last bit of weight from their stomach or from their legs. But if you've experienced the same thing, you might be happy to know that this isn't your fault at all. Every body is different, and your body type is ultimately determined by your grandmother. This also means that the way that you maintain this weight is also determined by your grandmother.
Because of this, many families struggle in the same way to lose weight. Some struggle to lose any at all, while others try and focus on particular areas. And there's a reason for that.
Dental Issues Are Inherited From the Mom
Many people assume that dental issues are completely random. After all, genetics can't decide where teeth grow, can they? You might be surprised to know that they can. Dental issues are actually hereditary, and the risk of developing certain dental problems is actually inherited from the mom's side. That's because your mom's genetics determine how your teeth grow, how your teeth are structured in your mouth, and how strong they will be.
Of course, you also have a say in the health of your teeth. And keeping them clean and maintaining a healthy diet should help to limit these unfortunate dental problems.
Cleft Chins Are Inherited From the Dad
Humans all look so different, and some people even have cleft chins. Often called the 'Superman Chin,' people who have this have a very prominent chin that has an indent in the middle of it. And if you're proud of your cleft chin, you have your dad to thank for that. However, you probably already knew that, as your dad probably has one, too! Yes, cleft chins are hereditary, and run through the male line.
Of course, there are some people who don't like their cleft chins, but we're here to tell you that you should love the skin that you're in. Nobody else can look like you, after all.
Mental Health Is Inherited From the Grandma
Thankfully, the world is coming around to the fact that mental health is just as important as your physical health. But while we can all take measures to improve our mental health, sometimes our genetics overpowers our wants and needs. In fact, scientists have discovered that many mental health disorders are actually hereditary - and often inherited from your grandmother. Because of this, it's important to understand your family's history of mental health.
While everyone should keep tabs on their mental health, this means that it's especially important if you have a family history of mental health disorders. You'll thank yourself in the long run.
The Aging Process Is Inherited From the Mom
Most people hate the idea of growing old. They scrutinize every gray hair on their head, they hate the wrinkles on their forehead, and they pay too much attention to their loose skin. But if you want to have a good idea of what you'll look like when you get older, take a look at your mom. That's because the aging process is actually a hereditary process and inherited from your mom's side.
Your mother's genes will determine how fast you will age, but there are things you can do to help slow down the process if you don't want to age as quickly as your mom, though.
Nose Shape Is Inherited From the Dad
Although many people may claim that, overall, you look like your mom, has anyone ever told you that you have your dad's nose? If they have, they were correct! That's because the shape, size, and position of your nose are determined by your dad's genetics. And if your dad has a large nose that points downwards, there's a high chance that you have a large nose that points downwards, too.
We'd always encourage people to stick with the hereditary nose they were born with, but that doesn't mean that you have to. In today's day and age, nose jobs are extremely common.
Smiles Are Inherited From the Grandma
Has anyone ever told you that you have the same smile as your grandma? Well, you're not wrong. Your grandma can directly impact your facial expressions - including the way you smile, in terms of how your mouth moves and how wide you smile. This trait is passed down through your grandma's genes, and some people love the fact that they share this characteristic with their grandmother. Especially if they have a unique smile.
If you're not sure if you share the same smile as your grandma, compare two photos of the both of you and look a little deeper. Sometimes it takes a second glance to really see the likeness.
Sense of Direction Is Inherited From the Mom
There are two kinds of people in this world; there are those who have a great sense of direction, and then there are those who get lost just trying to find their car in the parking lot. If you're part of the latter category, you might want to have a little word with your mom. That's because sense of direction isn't a learned trait. It's actually inherited from the mom.
Normally, people who get lost come from a family with a shared ability to get lost, and that's because it's all down to genetics. And your navigation skills are passed down from your mom.
Sweaty Hands Are Inherited From the Dad
Did you know that having extremely sweaty hands and feet is called hyperhidrosis? And while many people blame diet or their overall body health for the amount that they sweat, this type of excessive sweating cannot be controlled. That's because it's a genetic condition passed through the male gene - which means you have your father to blame, instead! And if your father has extremely sweaty hands or feet, you probably will develop it at some point, too.
Because this is a genetic condition, there's not much you can do to stop it. However, there are injections and medications that can reportedly help to steady the level of sweat produced.
Female Health Issues Are Inherited From the Grandma
Women have to deal with a lot in this world. As well as menstruating and dealing with cramps each month, they also go through childbirth and suffer from a number of female health issues. One of the most common is endometriosis - a painful disease where tissue grows outside of the uterus. And while this disease can sometimes occur out of the blue, it's often hereditary and passed down through genetics.
It's common to find numerous women in the same family suffer from these health concerns. And while they can be traumatic, it's often helpful to have people close to you experiencing the same thing.
Blood Type Is Inherited From the Mom
Do you know what blood type you are? If you don't, you might want to ask your mom. After all, it's highly likely that you'll have the same blood type as her. However, it's important to note that this isn't always the case. Ultimately, your blood type is determined by the genes from both your mom and your dad, and babies inherit two alleles during formation. This means that your blood type is ultimately the combination of these two alleles.
But while some children can have the same blood type as their father, scientists have discovered that children have the same blood type as their mothers in most cases. This suggests that the female gene is stronger.
Allergies Are Inherited From the Dad
Countless people around the world have allergies. Whether they're environmental allergies or food allergies, they're extremely common. But that doesn't make them any less annoying. If you're looking for someone to blame for your nut allergy, though, you might want to look towards your dad. That's because the male genes determine the likelihood of a baby developing allergies, and these allergies are often hereditary and passed down through the male line, too.
Because of this, many fathers and their children share the same allergies. Of course, environmental factors can also affect how the body reacts to certain allergens, too, so it's not purely genetic.