Which Traits Did You Inherit from Your Father and Which from Your Mother? From Intelligence to Sleep Patterns

Each individual’s genetic code consists of approximately 20,000 genes that determine characteristics such as physical traits, health, and even personality. Some traits are linked to a single gene, such as eye color, freckles, and dimples, while others are determined by multiple genes, like hair color and height.

People inherit their genes from their parents in various ways. The first method involves dominant genes—genes passed down from just one parent to manifest a trait in the child. In contrast, recessive genes must be inherited from both parents for the trait to appear.

For example, having brown eyes is a dominant genetic trait. If one parent possesses this trait, it is highly likely the child will inherit it. Conversely, having blue eyes is a recessive trait, requiring both parents to carry the gene for the child to inherit it.

More complex inheritance patterns also exist, the most common being X-linked inheritance. Traits associated with the X chromosome are influenced by the types of genes located on this chromosome. Hair color is one such trait, as are conditions like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis.

Intelligence: Mother

Intelligence is another example of an X-linked trait. Since women have two X chromosomes while men have only one, studies have shown that women are twice as likely to pass down intelligence-related traits to their children.

Early Puberty: Father

Did you mature early? If so, you can blame your father! A 2013 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that mutations in the MKRN3 gene are associated with the early onset of puberty, occurring before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys.

Hyperactivity: Mother

If you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it might be due to genes that influenced your mother’s brain chemistry.

Fertility: Father

A daughter’s fertility may be influenced by a gene inherited from her father.

Sleep Patterns: Mother

If you struggle with sleep, your mother might share the same issue. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children of mothers with insomnia are more likely to develop this sleep disorder themselves. This finding suggests that children can inherit a predisposition to sleep disorders from their mothers.