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50 Photos Of Unique People’s Features Because Of Their Rare Genetics (New Pics)
Warning: this article might inspire you to pursue a career in genetics or to become a scientist. The world of genetics is fascinating, to say the least. It can make you feel like you’re living in a sci-fi book, instead of on Planet Earth, and there are plenty of examples that make us go, “Wow, I can’t believe this is real!”
Our team here at Bored Panda has put together this fascinating list of people who were born different from the rest. From small and subtle differences to larger ones that everyone would notice passing you by on the street, here are some of the most unusual examples of genetics at work. As you’re scrolling down this list, upvote the photos that intrigued you the most. And if you’ve got any entrancing tales about genetics in your family to tell all the other Pandas, we invite you to do so in the comment section.
Intrigued by Mother Nature and in the mood for some more examples of unusual genetics? You’ll find them in Bored Panda’s previous two articles on the topic right here and here.
Even though the cases in this list are visually stunning and some might even be classified as ‘cool,’ unfortunately, genetics can also make it more likely that you develop diseases, including certain cancers. For example, 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers are thought to be hereditary and caused by abnormal genes passed down from parent to child. Bored Panda reached out to experts in the field to tell us more about this.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Mother And Her 1 Year-Old Son Have Very Uncommon Heterochromia Leaving Them With Beautiful And Mesmerizing Swirled Blue And Black Eyes
#2
Amina Ependieva Has Two Rare Genetic Conditions: Albinism And Heterochromia
The former is a condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment in the skin, eyes, hair, while the latter is a difference in coloration of the iris. The two conditions together make this young girl extremely unique.
#3
One Of The Coolest Birthmarks I Have Ever Seen
Bored Panda reached out to the team at the UK-based Breast Cancer Now charity to learn more about this disease, the symptoms, the reasons why someone might develop it, and how to reduce the risks.
“There are many different risk factors for developing breast cancer, some of which we can’t control, like being female, getting older, and for some people, a family history of the disease. There is never one single cause of breast cancer, but rather it results from a combination of our genes, the surrounding environment, and the way we live our lives,” a representative of Breast Cancer Now explained to Bored Panda.
#4
8-Year-Old Carter Blanchard And Rowdy The Dog Both Have A Disorder Called Vitiligo
#5
Love The ”Pattern” In My Wife's Eyes
Dorothy Parker 3 years ago
Her eyes are incredible. It almost looks like they have a flower pattern. Truly ice blue, but not cold looking.
#6
I Have Partial Heterochromia In Both Eyes
“There are things you can do to help to reduce your risk such as drinking less alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping physically active. Even the small changes like walking more or cutting down on processed foods can be a great start,” they said that there are lots of small lifestyle changes that can reduce the risks. Even though we can’t control everything, we can control some things.
Breast Cancer Now explained that breast cancer is the most common cancer in the United Kingdom. Around 55k women and 370 men get diagnosed with the disease each year. “1 in 7 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and 8 out of 10 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women aged 50 and over,” the representative told Bored Panda.
#7
My Sister Has Had Hair That's Half Blonde Half Brunette Since She Was Born. 1989 vs. Today
#8
I Have A Hereditary Gap In My Eyebrow
Two_rolling_black_eyes 3 years ago
My family has weird inheritable eyebrows. My mom's dad and all his ancestors have giant wooly catepillars with one long hair on the end that likes to run perpendicular. My mom's mom and all her ancestors have these little 1/2" eyebrows that look like the rest were plucked out. My brother got grandpa's and I got grandma's. Mom says between the two of us, we'd make one good pair.
Radek Suski 3 years ago
I literally was staring at these pictures trying to figure out what's different about them. Then I read the caption. I'd never notice
Effseven Six 3 years ago
The men in my family have distinct eyebrows. Case in point-> went my whole life till around 18 telling my dad he had another kid out there in the world. He was eventually told he did. I saw a picture, immediately pointed out the eyebrows and said yep, he's yours. He did a DNA test... I have a half brother. ( side note, this kid was made before he married my mom)
Arctic Fox Lover 3 years ago
Whoa, I think I might too--except it's not necessarily hereditary, it's just a strange gap in my brow.
Marsha Sturgill 3 years ago
I would like to know more. How many generations have been affected by this?
Leslie Burleson 3 years ago
That's pretty cool. How many people have asked you if you did it to look cool ?
#9
A Rare Genetic Disorder Known As Cat Eye Syndrome
"The boy happens to have cat eye syndrome, a genetic condition that often leads to other detrimental health defects. All that said it was a good lesson...despite his challenges he had the most curiosity, the most to give."
“Everyone’s breasts are different and can change with age and at different times of the month. No one knows your body better than you, so it’s important to get to know how your breasts normally look and feel so it will be easier to spot if there are any unusual changes,” Breast Cancer Now said.
“Most breast changes won’t be cancer but it’s important to report anything different or new to your doctor as soon as possible and get it checked out. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment may be.”
#10
Baby Chanco Was Born With A Lot Of Hair Which Kept Growing. This Is Her At 7 Months Age
#11
I Have A Small Amount Of Sectoral Heterochromia In My Right Eye, Plus A Kind Of Interesting Eye Pattern
#12
My Daughters Birthmark Is An Up Vote
According to Breast Cancer Now, checking your breasts for lumps or swellings is very simple and you can remember what to do by using the acronym TLC: Touch, Look, Check.
“It could be when you get dressed, or when you’re in the bath or shower or putting on moisturizer—just as long as you do it regularly and remember to check the whole breast and the surrounding area, including the upper chest and armpits. Most cases of breast cancer are found by women noticing unusual changes, taking the initiative, and visiting their doctor.”
#13
I Have A Birthmark In My Eye
Annabeth Chase 3 years ago
I'm just saying, you look like you belong in the capitol from the Hunger games
#14
I Was Born Without Finger Or Toe Prints
#15
I (17M) Have Abnormally Long Arms 5’9 With A 6’6 Wingspan
Michelle M 3 years ago
As an adult, he will have a lot of friends...friends who need him during moving day
Here are some of the most common breast cancer signs and symptoms:
-“A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest, or armpit. You might feel the lump, but not see it.
-Changes in the size or shape of the breast
-A change in skin texture i.e. puckering or dimpling of the skin
-A change in the color of the breast—the breast may look red or inflamed
-Rash, crusting, or changes to the nipple
-Any unusual discharge from either nipple.”
#16
I Was Born With One Of The Rarest Forms Of Belly Buttons In The World
#17
I Have A Skin Condition Called Dermatographia Which Causes My Skin To Raise From The Smallest Scratch And I Like To Draw Flowers On Myself Sometimes
#18
I Saw Some Say That They Have Sectoral Heterochromia, And I Raise You To Central Heterochromia
#19
Taylor Muhl Has A Rare Genetic Condition Called, Chimerism. She Is “Her Own Twin”
I have two sets of DNA, two sets of blood and immune cells. The two colors of skin pigmentation on my torso is from my and my twin's two different genetic makeups. My particular case of Chimerism is linked to autoimmune disease.
I went undiagnosed for more than half my life due to the rarity of my condition. I’m now an advocate for Chimerism, it’s link to autoimmune disease and body positivity. My hope is to prevent others from going undiagnosed how I did.
#20
Brazilian Family All Have 12 Fingers And Toes Due To Genetic Condition "Polydactyly"
#21
None Of My Fingers Have A Middle Joint
Michelle M 3 years ago
I hope this person can still do basic things. Must be quite hard if one's fingers can't bend.
#22
A Boy With Heterochromia
#23
This Hexagon Vein Structure On My Wrist
#24
I Always Hid It, But Now I Want To Share With You My Birthmark In The Center Of My Forehead
E Menendez 3 years ago
She is so beautiful. I have a birthmark on my chest that I treat like "jewelry" and will wear things that emphasize it. I feel that way about her birthmark with her bangs like that. It is like built in jewelry to be emphasized.
#25
A Few People Have Actually Said Wtf When Looking At My Eyes
#26
My Face Birthmark
#27
My Girlfriend Has Freckles In Her Iris. They Look Like Marbles
#28
My Vitiligo Has Turned Half Of My Upper Eyelashes White
#29
I Am Allergic To The Cold
Sian Edwards 3 years ago
Me too! Idiopathic cold urticaria. Antihistamines every day and I'm ok, but if I forget, I look like I've been sitting in a patch of nettles.
#30
My Hair And Eyelashes Are Naturally Split Into Blonde And Brunette
#31
I Have A Pair Of Moles, That Look Like An Eyebrow Piercing
#32
My Hair Is Half Blonde Half Brunette. Including Eyebrows
#33
My Son Inherited My Joined Together Toes
#34
My Sons Nostrils Are Shaped Like Little Hearts
#35
My Son Was Born With A Black Spot Of Hair In His Blonde Hair. It Grows In Black, And There Is No Birth Mark Or Discoloration Under It
#36
My Iris Is Misshaped But No Known Eye Problems After 25 Years
#37
My Beard Grows 1/4 Orange And Is Split At Pretty Much The Middle Of My Chin (Even Extends Up To My Bottom Lip)
#38
Been Seeing A Lot Of 4 Finger Havers, Here's Me! I Was Born With 3 Of Them
Princess Procrastination 3 years ago (edited)
Dinosaur!!! (Not an insult, I think that’s really cool as long as they aren’t impacted too much!)
#39
How My Vitiligo Changes From The Winter To The Summer
#40
The Amount Of Hair My Daughter Had At 2 Months Old
MotherofGuineaPigs 3 years ago
My daughter was born the same. Everyone said it would fall out, it never did.
#41
Her Birthmark Fits Perfectly With Heterochromia
#42
This Is My Sister's Eye. She Has A Condition Called "Coloboma"
#43
My Son And I Have Matching Freckles In The Same Spot
#44
Off-Center Pupil I've Had Since Birth
#45
I'm 21 And Still Have 2 Baby Teeth
Momma Panda 3 years ago
I had three untill 24 (had taken them out surgically). My wisdom teeth never grew, and an x-ray showed they don't exist in my jaw.
#46
I Was Cursed With A Belly Button That Sticks Out Through My Shirts
#47
To All The People With Four Fingers. Kneel Before Me
Michelle M 3 years ago (edited)
My siblings (twins) were born with 6 fingers but not as long as this. The 6th one eventually dried up and fell off.
#48
This Guy's Super-Long Thumb
#49
My Newborn Son Covered Head To Toe In White "Fur"
Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger 3 years ago
That is lanugo hair. Throughout the pregnancy, babies grow and develop in a sac filled with amniotic fluid. This protective fluid cushions the baby. A baby’s skin is covered with a waxy, cheese-like substance called vernix, which protects the skin from amniotic fluid. Vernix prevents a baby’s skin from chaffing in the womb. Lanugo helps protect the skin and makes it easier for vernix to adhere to a baby’s skin. Once a baby sheds lanugo hair — either in the womb or outside the womb — the hair usually never returns. The only exception is in cases of severe malnutrition.
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What do you think ?
Dorothy Parker 3 years ago
None of us are perfect. Some, however, are completely unique. I'm awed by the unique eyes. So beautiful..
Andrew 3 years ago
Everyone is unique and perfect at the same time. It's about time the world wakes up and realises this.
Load More Replies...
the annoying theatre kid 3 years ago
i have partial heterochromia, meaning the inside of my eyes are brown while the outside are gray, and in my right eye i have two brown stripes
Bisexual Tiger 3 years ago
Woah, that sounds so cool! Could we see a pic?
Load More Replies...
jk nbt 3 years ago (edited)
the article does not mention that some of these cases may not be genetic or hereditary... some people are prenatally exposed to insecticides or herbicides that can do these things. Incorrect prescription of drugs to pregnant mothers like Thalidomide exposure can cause some of these cases.
Red Ruffensor 3 years ago
I have a wisdom tooth breaking through the gum. Why is this unusual, you ask? I'm 63 years old!
Knucklehead McSpazzatron 3 years ago
Me my mom and my brother all have double row of eyelashes, my brother has "starburst" pattern heterochromia, my step dad has a small second pupil in one of his eyes, and I have joint hyper mobility meaning all my joints are double jointed
Thorfin Wolfsbane 3 years ago
I hate to have to say this, but everyone's genetics makes them unique, so let's not be superficial here and only care about appearances.
memyselfandI 3 years ago
True, but the point of this is that even though people think that appearance is everything and having unique birthmarks is bad, it’s actually really cool.
Load More Replies...
Christine M Quigley 3 years ago
I have gold spots in both my blue green eyes, more in my right than left. My eyes will change color with the weather and what colors I'm wearing.
Apollo 3 years ago
I have dimples on the backs of my shoulders, the 2 toes next to my big toes on both feet were crossed before I got them corrected, and almost all of the women in my mum's family (myself included) all have a genetic mutation that makes our lumbar vertebrae shorter than they should be.
Chloe *Leah* Pheonix 3 years ago
My gym teacher, I cant really explain it but his iris and pupil are pretty large and completely black, so it's like he has dog eyes almost and I just think it's so beautiful. It's his defining trait almost
renee brack 3 years ago
These are such beautiful, unexpected and interesting idiosyncrasies. My boring matching brown eyes are functional but not interesting. I'm glad these people live in contemporary times and not in the superstitious past where communities might have hurt them or ostracised them for their uniqueness.
Fiercepelt 3 years ago
I have partial heterochromia (part of my left eye is blue while the rest is green) and one of my friends has a freckle under each eye, perfectly symmetrically (like mitsuri from demon slayer)
Bisexual Tiger 3 years ago
Don't be surprised if your friend shows up with pink and green hair, and a sword ;)
Load More Replies...
Sol Connor 3 years ago
I have really loved seeing everyone’s unique and beautiful differences, thanks for sharing!
Renee Bindernagel 3 years ago
I am like the girl in #79. The ring finger on my right hand is missing a knuckle. My dad's mom and her sisters all have this too.
Apollo 3 years ago
I have dimples on the backs of my shoulders, the 2 toes next to my big toes on both feet were crossed when I was little (I had it corrected), and most of the women in my mum's family all have a genetic mutation that makes all of our lumbar vertebrae shorter than they should be
Pamala Vela 3 years ago
The hair on the front of my head is about three shades lighter than on the back. It was cool in the 80s. Everyone thought I did that to my hair!
Axolotl King 3 years ago
I never even noticed before but after reading this article I notice my grandma with very light colored blue/green eyes has brown freckles in her eyes
Bisexual Tiger 3 years ago
That is extremely cool! (I searched it up to see what it is.) It DEFINITELY belongs on the post!
Load More Replies...
I Honestly Have No Clue 2 years ago
Me and my sister have amber rings around our pupils. Not sure if that’s normal or not though…
Agent 8433599 2 years ago
Beautifully unique describes all these. Except for the ones where their little ones inherited something special, in that case that's super cool!
lil_gremlin 3 years ago
i have something much less cool-a little birthmark in my eyelid. not on. IN. i was so worried it was smth bad and i asked my mom and she said, "Oh, that? You've had it forever."
deanna woods 3 years ago
I have birth marks on my right eye and on my second toe on my left foot. I also inherited something called "skin tags" from my dad's side of the family.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
I also inherited skin tags from mum and dad. At least one I used my fingernails to remove it and there is another one I want to cut off. They are sensitive and I also sensory issues related to Fibromyalgia so they can get quite itchy and stuff. I seem to be the one child who inherited pretty much everything from my parents (skin tags, moles, migraines, insomnia etc)! Best thing though was the combination of my parents hair- mum's curls with dad's thickness, which I am very proud of :)
Load More Replies... 
Renee Bindernagel 3 years ago
I am like the girl in #79. The ring finger on my right hand is missing a knuckle. My dad's mother and her sisters all had this too.
Dorothy Parker 3 years ago
None of us are perfect. Some, however, are completely unique. I'm awed by the unique eyes. So beautiful..
Andrew 3 years ago
Everyone is unique and perfect at the same time. It's about time the world wakes up and realises this.
Load More Replies... the annoying theatre kid 3 years ago
i have partial heterochromia, meaning the inside of my eyes are brown while the outside are gray, and in my right eye i have two brown stripes
Bisexual Tiger 3 years ago
Woah, that sounds so cool! Could we see a pic?
Load More Replies... jk nbt 3 years ago (edited)
the article does not mention that some of these cases may not be genetic or hereditary... some people are prenatally exposed to insecticides or herbicides that can do these things. Incorrect prescription of drugs to pregnant mothers like Thalidomide exposure can cause some of these cases.
Red Ruffensor 3 years ago
I have a wisdom tooth breaking through the gum. Why is this unusual, you ask? I'm 63 years old!
Knucklehead McSpazzatron 3 years ago
Me my mom and my brother all have double row of eyelashes, my brother has "starburst" pattern heterochromia, my step dad has a small second pupil in one of his eyes, and I have joint hyper mobility meaning all my joints are double jointed
Thorfin Wolfsbane 3 years ago
I hate to have to say this, but everyone's genetics makes them unique, so let's not be superficial here and only care about appearances.
memyselfandI 3 years ago
True, but the point of this is that even though people think that appearance is everything and having unique birthmarks is bad, it’s actually really cool.
Load More Replies... Christine M Quigley 3 years ago
I have gold spots in both my blue green eyes, more in my right than left. My eyes will change color with the weather and what colors I'm wearing.
Apollo 3 years ago
I have dimples on the backs of my shoulders, the 2 toes next to my big toes on both feet were crossed before I got them corrected, and almost all of the women in my mum's family (myself included) all have a genetic mutation that makes our lumbar vertebrae shorter than they should be.
Chloe *Leah* Pheonix 3 years ago
My gym teacher, I cant really explain it but his iris and pupil are pretty large and completely black, so it's like he has dog eyes almost and I just think it's so beautiful. It's his defining trait almost
renee brack 3 years ago
These are such beautiful, unexpected and interesting idiosyncrasies. My boring matching brown eyes are functional but not interesting. I'm glad these people live in contemporary times and not in the superstitious past where communities might have hurt them or ostracised them for their uniqueness.
Fiercepelt 3 years ago
I have partial heterochromia (part of my left eye is blue while the rest is green) and one of my friends has a freckle under each eye, perfectly symmetrically (like mitsuri from demon slayer)
Bisexual Tiger 3 years ago
Don't be surprised if your friend shows up with pink and green hair, and a sword ;)
Load More Replies... Sol Connor 3 years ago
I have really loved seeing everyone’s unique and beautiful differences, thanks for sharing!
Renee Bindernagel 3 years ago
I am like the girl in #79. The ring finger on my right hand is missing a knuckle. My dad's mom and her sisters all have this too.
Apollo 3 years ago
I have dimples on the backs of my shoulders, the 2 toes next to my big toes on both feet were crossed when I was little (I had it corrected), and most of the women in my mum's family all have a genetic mutation that makes all of our lumbar vertebrae shorter than they should be
Pamala Vela 3 years ago
The hair on the front of my head is about three shades lighter than on the back. It was cool in the 80s. Everyone thought I did that to my hair!
Axolotl King 3 years ago
I never even noticed before but after reading this article I notice my grandma with very light colored blue/green eyes has brown freckles in her eyes
Bisexual Tiger 3 years ago
That is extremely cool! (I searched it up to see what it is.) It DEFINITELY belongs on the post!
Load More Replies... I Honestly Have No Clue 2 years ago
Me and my sister have amber rings around our pupils. Not sure if that’s normal or not though…
Agent 8433599 2 years ago
Beautifully unique describes all these. Except for the ones where their little ones inherited something special, in that case that's super cool!
lil_gremlin 3 years ago
i have something much less cool-a little birthmark in my eyelid. not on. IN. i was so worried it was smth bad and i asked my mom and she said, "Oh, that? You've had it forever."
deanna woods 3 years ago
I have birth marks on my right eye and on my second toe on my left foot. I also inherited something called "skin tags" from my dad's side of the family.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
I also inherited skin tags from mum and dad. At least one I used my fingernails to remove it and there is another one I want to cut off. They are sensitive and I also sensory issues related to Fibromyalgia so they can get quite itchy and stuff. I seem to be the one child who inherited pretty much everything from my parents (skin tags, moles, migraines, insomnia etc)! Best thing though was the combination of my parents hair- mum's curls with dad's thickness, which I am very proud of :)
Load More Replies... Renee Bindernagel 3 years ago
I am like the girl in #79. The ring finger on my right hand is missing a knuckle. My dad's mother and her sisters all had this too.
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