7 Traits You Inherit Only From One Parent
Indrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduatin... read full bio
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It is no surprise if you look like a mini version of your parents or take after their characteristics. Genes are carried on from one generation to another by the offspring and this is what modifies and builds the genetic makeup. However, what is interesting to know is, certain characteristics and traits are inherited by you from one parent only. So while you may get your eye color from one parent, your height or skin color may be a gift from your other parent. In this article, we will talk about some traits that are inherited from one parent only. Read on to learn more!
In This Article
1. Dimples
Dimples are endearing facial features that some individuals possess. This adorable trait is typically inherited dominantly from one parent. If a parent has dimples, there is a higher chance that their child will have them too. However, it’s important to note that dimples can also skip generations or appear unexpectedly due to the complex interaction of multiple genes.
2. Freckles
Freckles are little spots of melanin that grace our skin. They may show up after basking in sunlight. It’s interesting to note that this trait can come from both parents, but research suggests that the genetic variant responsible for freckles tends to be more commonly passed down from one parent (1). That’s why you might see some individuals adorned with more freckles like their mother, while others may have fewer or none at all, resembling their father or perhaps displaying a unique blend of characteristics that don’t quite match either parent. It’s a charming reminder of how our genetic heritage weaves its magic across generations.
3. Eye Color
Eye color is a trait that can often be attributed to a single parent. The genes responsible for eye pigmentation are complex, but certain variations can dominate over others. For instance, if one parent has blue eyes and the other has brown eyes, the child is more likely to inherit the dominant gene for brown eyes. However, exceptions occur when recessive genes are passed down through generations, resulting in a unique eye color that neither parent possesses.
4. Personality Traits
Our personalities are shaped by a multitude of factors like our genetics and the world around us. While we inherit a unique blend of traits from both parents, there are moments when certain qualities shine through from one parent more prominently. It’s like inheriting our father’s wit or our mother’s brilliant mind. However, it’s important to remember that our personalities are not solely dictated by genetics. The environment we grow up in and the experiences we go through also leave their mark, shaping us into the unique individuals we become.
5. Body Shape
Our body shape is truly remarkable and it’s incredible to see how much of it can be influenced by our genes. From the way our muscles are structured to where we tend to carry fat, genetics can play a big role in shaping our overall physique. While our lifestyle and environment also have an impact, it’s fascinating to observe how certain aspects of our body shape often come from one parent. We might inherit their body frame and proportions, or even lean towards a specific body type like being slender, athletic, or curvier.
6. Facial Features
Facial features, like the contour of the nose, the shape of the lips, or the prominence of the chin, often bear a stronger resemblance to one parent. Though a blend of genetics and the environment shapes our facial traits, specific attributes tend to be more prominent due to the genes inherited from a single parent. Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that everyone possesses a distinct combination of facial features that stems from the genetic contributions of both parents.
7. Blood Type
Blood type is determined by specific genes inherited from both parents. However, in certain instances, one parent’s blood type may dominate over the other’s, resulting in the child inheriting a blood type exclusively from one parent. For example, if one parent has blood type A and the other has blood type O, their child may inherit blood type A. This occurs due to the inheritance patterns of the ABO blood group system.
The inheritance of traits from our parents is a captivating aspect of genetics. While many traits result from a combination of genes from both parents, certain characteristics can be traced back to just one parent. From eye color to personality traits, these unique genetic legacies shape our individuality. Understanding these inheritable traits not only enhances our knowledge of genetics but also celebrates the diversity and complexity of the human genome. So which of your characteristics do you think comes from your mother or father? Let us know in the comments section!
