Cracking the Genetic Code on Facial Features

Researchers are still unsure how genes create shared facial features. Genetics play a significant role, but environmental factors matter too.

By Sara Novak
Oct 1, 2024 5:00 PM
three generations of women
(Credit: fizkes/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Sometimes, resemblances between parent and child or siblings can be uncanny. Other times, such resemblances can pop up between aunt and niece or grandfather and grandchild. And still, other times, resemblances don’t exist at all.

One child may look like one parent, and their sibling may look like the other parent. Sometimes, certain facial traits seem to jump from one generation to the next repeatedly.

All of these outcomes lead us to wonder what impacts facial features. What part of our DNA is responsible for the structure and physical features that make us unique? And how much do other factors like our environment and our diet come into play? 

Genetics and Facial Features

Genetics obviously plays a dominant role in our facial features. How else would we look so much like our family members? Still, many questions about how it all works remain.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group