Other Normal Traits

For each trait in the following table, the dominant form (the form where one copy is sufficient) is shown in the right column.

Hand Clasping

Right thumb on top

Left thumb on top ‐ at least one of your parents should clasp hands with the left thumb on top

 

Hitchhiker Thumb

Hitchhiker thumb

Straight thumb ‐ at least one of your parents should have straight thumbs

 

Tongue Rolling

Cannot roll tongue

Tongue roller ‐ at least one of your parents should be a tongue roller

 

Ear Lobes

Attached ear lobes

Unattached ear lobes ‐ at least one of your parents should have unattached ear lobes

 

Widow's peak

Straight hairline

Widow's peak ‐ at least one of your parents should have a widow's peak

Although these traits have long been used as examples of normal variation that can be tracked through families, it is not established that each trait is determined by a single gene. In fact, exceptions have been documented. To get the scientific facts, visit OMIM - Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man to see information about each trait: hand clasping, tongue rolling, attached ear lobes, and widow's peak.

 
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