ADVERTISEMENT

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.

#1

Mother And Her 1 Year-Old Son Have Very Uncommon Heterochromia Leaving Them With Beautiful And Mesmerizing Swirled Blue And Black Eyes

Mother And Her 1 Year-Old Son Have Very Uncommon Heterochromia Leaving Them With Beautiful And Mesmerizing Swirled Blue And Black Eyes

hominoid_in_NGC4594 Report

RELATED:
    #2

    Amina Ependieva Has Two Rare Genetic Conditions: Albinism And Heterochromia

    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.

    aminaarsakova Report

    #3

    One Of The Coolest Birthmarks I Have Ever Seen

    One Of The Coolest Birthmarks I Have Ever Seen

    Philchil23 Report

    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.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #4

    8-Year-Old Carter Blanchard And Rowdy The Dog Both Have A Disorder Called Vitiligo

    8-Year-Old Carter Blanchard And Rowdy The Dog Both Have A Disorder Called Vitiligo

    white_eyed_rowdy Report

    #5

    Love The ”Pattern” In My Wife's Eyes

    Love The ”Pattern” In My Wife's Eyes

    snakepatay Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    shaynameidela avatar
    Dorothy Parker
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her eyes are incredible. It almost looks like they have a flower pattern. Truly ice blue, but not cold looking.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    “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.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #7

    My Sister Has Had Hair That's Half Blonde Half Brunette Since She Was Born. 1989 vs. Today

    My Sister Has Had Hair That's Half Blonde Half Brunette Since She Was Born. 1989 vs. Today

    AgentShabu Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    wandiledludlu avatar
    Sum Guy
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks cool... but I know kids are horrible and I'm sure she was bullied for being different

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    A Rare Genetic Disorder Known As Cat Eye Syndrome

    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."

    renan_ozturk Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    emileemprovencher avatar
    EP
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another child where this look happens to suit them really well. He looks pretty d@mcool like this.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    “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.”

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Baby Chanco Was Born With A Lot Of Hair Which Kept Growing. This Is Her At 7 Months Age

    Baby Chanco Was Born With A Lot Of Hair Which Kept Growing. This Is Her At 7 Months Age

    KebabChef Report

    #11

    I Have A Small Amount Of Sectoral Heterochromia In My Right Eye, Plus A Kind Of Interesting Eye Pattern

    I Have A Small Amount Of Sectoral Heterochromia In My Right Eye, Plus A Kind Of Interesting Eye Pattern

    Almond_Roses Report

    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

    I Have A Birthmark In My Eye

    JustSavi Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    sophiemcg2506 avatar
    Annabeth Chase
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm just saying, you look like you belong in the capitol from the Hunger games

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #15

    I (17M) Have Abnormally Long Arms 5’9 With A 6’6 Wingspan

    I (17M) Have Abnormally Long Arms 5’9 With A 6’6 Wingspan

    NupSuckle Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    michellesavage226 avatar
    Michelle M
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As an adult, he will have a lot of friends...friends who need him during moving day

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    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

    I Was Born With One Of The Rarest Forms Of Belly Buttons In The World

    Swirlxx Report

    #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

    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

    Last_Thursday Report

    #18

    I Saw Some Say That They Have Sectoral Heterochromia, And I Raise You To Central Heterochromia

    I Saw Some Say That They Have Sectoral Heterochromia, And I Raise You To Central Heterochromia

    Astanner Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    emileemprovencher avatar
    EP
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did not realize that this was a thing. I may have this. The inside of my pupils are not the same Color as the outside. But it’s less drastic as this so i just always thought I had shades of colors. I will have to look this up now for other images to see.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #19

    Taylor Muhl Has A Rare Genetic Condition Called, Chimerism. She Is “Her Own Twin”

    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.

    taylormuhl Report

    #20

    Brazilian Family All Have 12 Fingers And Toes Due To Genetic Condition "Polydactyly"

    Brazilian Family All Have 12 Fingers And Toes Due To Genetic Condition "Polydactyly"

    Vianey Bentes Report

    #21

    None Of My Fingers Have A Middle Joint

    None Of My Fingers Have A Middle Joint

    JayFayad Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    michellesavage226 avatar
    Michelle M
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope this person can still do basic things. Must be quite hard if one's fingers can't bend.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #23

    This Hexagon Vein Structure On My Wrist

    This Hexagon Vein Structure On My Wrist

    shrekfan46 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    aaricia avatar
    Aaricia
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think you need to place a Ruby there to unlock your powers.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #24

    I Always Hid It, But Now I Want To Share With You My Birthmark In The Center Of My Forehead

    I Always Hid It, But Now I Want To Share With You My Birthmark In The Center Of My Forehead

    daewoot Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    straney-elizabeth avatar
    E Menendez
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #25

    A Few People Have Actually Said Wtf When Looking At My Eyes

    A Few People Have Actually Said Wtf When Looking At My Eyes

    smeisinger705 Report

    #27

    My Girlfriend Has Freckles In Her Iris. They Look Like Marbles

    My Girlfriend Has Freckles In Her Iris. They Look Like Marbles

    ollispitzisfire Report

    #28

    My Vitiligo Has Turned Half Of My Upper Eyelashes White

    My Vitiligo Has Turned Half Of My Upper Eyelashes White

    TheRakishRaconteur Report

    #29

    I Am Allergic To The Cold

    I Am Allergic To The Cold

    Queen-of-nightmare Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    sian_edwards avatar
    Sian Edwards
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #30

    My Hair And Eyelashes Are Naturally Split Into Blonde And Brunette

    My Hair And Eyelashes Are Naturally Split Into Blonde And Brunette

    curtaincup Report

    #31

    I Have A Pair Of Moles, That Look Like An Eyebrow Piercing

    I Have A Pair Of Moles, That Look Like An Eyebrow Piercing

    szlfr Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #32

    My Hair Is Half Blonde Half Brunette. Including Eyebrows

    My Hair Is Half Blonde Half Brunette. Including Eyebrows

    Sunflowely Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    blugeagua avatar
    blugeagua
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But even the brunette looks dark blonde. It actually just looks like two different shades of blonde to me.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #33

    My Son Inherited My Joined Together Toes

    My Son Inherited My Joined Together Toes

    Microwavehead Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    emileemprovencher avatar
    EP
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Funny how genetics works! Get to see It in action

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #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

    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

    maceparks Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    jadams81985 avatar
    J Adams
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Quite likely that as the kid grows the rest of his hair will naturally change to match the darker colour

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #36

    My Iris Is Misshaped But No Known Eye Problems After 25 Years

    My Iris Is Misshaped But No Known Eye Problems After 25 Years

    EmikaBrooke Report

    #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)

    My Beard Grows 1/4 Orange And Is Split At Pretty Much The Middle Of My Chin (Even Extends Up To My Bottom Lip)

    dr_groove Report

    #38

    Been Seeing A Lot Of 4 Finger Havers, Here's Me! I Was Born With 3 Of Them

    Been Seeing A Lot Of 4 Finger Havers, Here's Me! I Was Born With 3 Of Them

    Guy_Areddit Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    rmurp144 avatar
    Princess Procrastination
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dinosaur!!! (Not an insult, I think that’s really cool as long as they aren’t impacted too much!)

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #39

    How My Vitiligo Changes From The Winter To The Summer

    How My Vitiligo Changes From The Winter To The Summer

    inkyedges Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #40

    The Amount Of Hair My Daughter Had At 2 Months Old

    The Amount Of Hair My Daughter Had At 2 Months Old

    eyeswideblue Report

    #41

    Her Birthmark Fits Perfectly With Heterochromia

    Her Birthmark Fits Perfectly With Heterochromia

    red.tonya Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ruraynor avatar
    rumade
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People saying it looks like a burn- there is a type of facial birthmark called a port wine or mulberry stain. My mum has one on her chin. They can be large and are red.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #42

    This Is My Sister's Eye. She Has A Condition Called "Coloboma"

    This Is My Sister's Eye. She Has A Condition Called "Coloboma"

    katiebug0313 Report

    #43

    My Son And I Have Matching Freckles In The Same Spot

    My Son And I Have Matching Freckles In The Same Spot

    SarcasticNuances Report

    #44

    Off-Center Pupil I've Had Since Birth

    Off-Center Pupil I've Had Since Birth

    Nintendeion Report

    #45

    I'm 21 And Still Have 2 Baby Teeth

    I'm 21 And Still Have 2 Baby Teeth

    imgur.com Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    valentina-kvasic avatar
    Momma Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #46

    I Was Cursed With A Belly Button That Sticks Out Through My Shirts

    I Was Cursed With A Belly Button That Sticks Out Through My Shirts

    Swirlxx Report

    #47

    To All The People With Four Fingers. Kneel Before Me

    To All The People With Four Fingers. Kneel Before Me

    CrazyUser74 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    michellesavage226 avatar
    Michelle M
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My siblings (twins) were born with 6 fingers but not as long as this. The 6th one eventually dried up and fell off.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #48

    This Guy's Super-Long Thumb

    This Guy's Super-Long Thumb

    jwpina Report

    #49

    My Newborn Son Covered Head To Toe In White "Fur"

    My Newborn Son Covered Head To Toe In White "Fur"

    MrJusticle Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    yvonnedauwalderbalsiger avatar
    Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #50

    I Was Born With Only Four Fingers On My Left Hand

    I Was Born With Only Four Fingers On My Left Hand

    Marrtyr11 Report

    Note: this post originally had 112 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.