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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

#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.

#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

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#5

Love The ”Pattern” In My Wife's Eyes

Love The ”Pattern” In My Wife's Eyes

snakepatay Report

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Dorothy Parker
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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.

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“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

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

AgentShabu Report

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Sum Guy
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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

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#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

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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.

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“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

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.”

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#13

I Have A Birthmark In My Eye

I Have A Birthmark In My Eye

JustSavi Report

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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

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#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

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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

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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

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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.

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#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

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#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

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Mimi M
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor little dude on the lower left only has 5 on each - hope he doesn't feel shortchanged!

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DDmaybeandor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think he's too young to really understand what's going on and just wants to be part of the action. He's so cute!

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Ramona Rhein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This little guy in the front is just enjoying the photo shoot. He has 5 on each.

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Natalia
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😂😂 he is like "heyyyyy, I am member of the family too"!!!!....may has toes though.

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Noel Bovae
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think you can see the surgery scar on the boy. It's possible they're opting for surgery on the younger ones?

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Jon S.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Weirdly polydactyl genes are dominant in humans, so in 100,000 years, most of us could be like this.

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Lyn Moffett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To hell with that. Couldn't palm them off with gloves for Christmas!!

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Walter Brameld
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The sixth finger allows them to control time. I read it in a book once. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/31663/31663-h/31663-h.htm

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Slim 864 GVG
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They would make amazing guitar players, or musicians in general!

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Aduain Captor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This happens in some cats too where they end up having more fingers, usually thumbs.

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Judith Finch
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2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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HypnoFrog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my brothers was born with an extra finger. The finger was missing all the bones above the first joint. My Mom elected to have it surgically removed as the bones would not grow later and it was nonfunctional. My brother had a scar for two years and then it disappeared. We actually forgot to tell him about it until he was 19.

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Liz-ard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The young kid in the left corner just tagged along for the fun of the picture!

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Scuba Diva
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Back in the 60s I saw a picture of a kid named Willie Bee Johnson in a textbook, and he had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot.

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Nancy Lynch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do they have to make their own gloves? How well do their shoes fit?

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Hollysmom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's great that they seem to embrace and celebrate this difference

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Bruce Mills
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What happens with the piggie AFTER the one that goes wee wee wee all the way home?

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Steve Wilson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somebody needs to introduce the guitar & piano to that family.

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Hannah Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine how left out you’d feel if you were the only one in the face who didn’t have an extra one.

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Wood Carver
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loving bottom left boy. I don't know why everyone is doing this but I'm in. 6 what? Sure.... take the picture dude

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Jessica Cifelli
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonder if it helps with sports. Does it make buying shoes hard? Or gloves..

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Lilly Rose Poppy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol I read it wrong and didn't see the six part and thought " ofc they all have fingers and toes"

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Louloubelle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My father, grandfather, and cousin were born with extra little toes. They all had theirs removed. Hard to get shoes, otherwise.

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Louloubelle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, I think the little one in front only has 5 on each hand. Slacker.

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EP
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This must come in handy and make holding things easier.

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#21

None Of My Fingers Have A Middle Joint

None Of My Fingers Have A Middle Joint

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Michelle M
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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.

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#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

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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.

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#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

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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.

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#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

#32

My Hair Is Half Blonde Half Brunette. Including Eyebrows

My Hair Is Half Blonde Half Brunette. Including Eyebrows

Sunflowely Report

#33

My Son Inherited My Joined Together Toes

My Son Inherited My Joined Together Toes

Microwavehead Report

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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

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#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

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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

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#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

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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!)

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#39

How My Vitiligo Changes From The Winter To The Summer

How My Vitiligo Changes From The Winter To The Summer

inkyedges Report

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#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

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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.

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#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

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#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

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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.

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#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

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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.

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#48

This Guy's Super-Long Thumb

This Guy's Super-Long Thumb

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#49

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

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

MrJusticle Report

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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.

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#50

I Was Born With Only Four Fingers On My Left Hand

I Was Born With Only Four Fingers On My Left Hand

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