Unexpected Things We Got From Our Genes
Scientists still can’t tell for sure how much of our personality is determined by our genes and how much by the environment. But they did find out which character and appearance traits we can inherit only from our parents.
1.High-altitude genes
One of the main problems of living at a high altitude is the low atmospheric pressure. It leads to a lack of oxygen in the body. A person who has spent most of their lives at a low altitude and then goes to the mountains will have a high level of red blood cells( the ones that transport the oxygen). A huge number of red blood cells makes the blood viscous which can lead to heart problems. Over time, people can get something called mountain sickness.
Most Sherpas (people who live in Nepal and India) can handle the lack of oxygen without any complications that would affect their cardiovascular system. This adaptation to the high altitude can be explained genetically.
2.Near-sightedness
In studies where experts researched the possibility of inheriting near-sightedness in families, it was shown that it’s actually possible to inherit it. Most children who have near-sighted parents are more predisposed to having myopia than other people. However, scientists also believe that near-sightedness can develop because of one’s environment.
3.Sweating
This may sound a little strange but genes are also responsible for how much a person sweats. But, it is still unknownwhere the gene responsible for this is located.
Sweating while doing sports is perfectly normal for all people. But if you sweat all the time, no matter what the weather is, it’s probably something you got from your parents. Besides, this can be an indication of several illnesses, so you might need to see a specialist.
4.Earlobe shape
There are 2 types of earlobes: free and attached. Before, it was believed that they were a classic example of dominant and recessive genes. But scientists foundthere are earlobes that don’t fall into any of these categories. And there are several genes that influence the shape.
In all instances, the earlobe shape is definitely genetically inherited.
5.Clinodactyly
Clinodactyly is a finger defect that causes the little finger to be curved. Nowadays, scientists are convinced that children inherit this feature genetically.
If the curvature of the little finger is not extreme and it doesn’t cause any discomfort, people can live with it their entire lives. However, if the finger is seriously curved, a person might require surgery.
6.Photic sneeze reflex
Around 18-35 % of the entire population of the planet have the photic sneeze reflex. When a bright light contacts with the retina, it makes a person want to sneeze.
Scientists found out that we can inherit this feature genetically. Back in 2010, a group of geneticists researched the genomes of 10,000 people. As a result, they found 2 genes responsible for the photic sneeze reflex.
7.Aggression
Scientists are convinced that people become bullies not just because of their environment or bad manners. They managed to find something called the “warrior gene” that makes a person more likely to be aggressive, gamble, and exhibit risky behavior.
The latest research states that maybe the discovered gene makes people more sensitive to their own interests that makes them act more persistent and risky, not more aggressive or as a “risk-taker.” And other people just treat it as aggression!
8.Sleeping habits
Hypersomnia (feeling sleepy during the day), insomnia, or parasomnia (different sleep disorders) are in our genes. Of course, sleepiness and insomnia are often caused by the same circumstances, like stress or anxiety before an important event. But if you have always had these problems, and not temporarily, it’s definitely in your genes.