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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

white_eyed_rowdy Report

#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
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

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

No, he will have a lot of friends since he will be able to hug many people at once

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

Looks just like half my family! Turned out to be Marfan syndrome, you should get it checked out..

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

It could just be another marfanoid form or just a marfanoid profile without the other health issues for this man, i hope. I have some kind of marfanoid traits (arachnodactyly, long arms and hands..., a friend used to call me "roswell" for it), but i'm short, it's Ehlers Danlos Syndrom for me but you can also just have a marfanoid structure without the actual syndrom.

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

I'm the exact some measurement! I'm female and 32 and 5'9 and yet my arm span is 6'6!

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

Wow! I'm a 5' 8" female with about 6' arm span! I can always reach top shelves! Didn't realize it was supposed to be the same as my height! My husband calls them monkey arms, I guess they really are!

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

He will always be able to get the jars from the highest shelves.

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

Now there's a guy that is not only gorgeous but he could reach everything in the highest cupboards in my kitchen and the top shelves in the supermarkets ....

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

In 60 at basic training at Lowrey Field CO. There was one guy in my Barraks names Ogden who could scratch both knees while standing straight up.

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

how many people stood up to see how long their arms are ???

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

Both my mother and brother have arms that are much longer than average, they can almost touch their knees while standing, needless to say, it's hard to find long sleeve shirts or coats. they tend to share coats and sweaters during winter, which I find both cute and funny

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

He could slap you silly 6 feet away and you'd never know what hit you!

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

I was told as a child that your arm span matches your height. Obviously my teacher was wrong lol

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Martin Krumpholz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's wonderful, he can hug his wife and all his children together at the same time.

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

Possibly legs too? I have a female friend who is about 5'3" and has a 36" inseam. She was a prima ballerina with the Royal of London. Incredible at rock climbing as well.

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

I see that other commenters had the same idea I have: Has he considered swimming on a professional level? I hear Michael Phelps has unusually long arms, too.

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

"Young man, can you get me that box of crackers from the top shelf?" I'm sure LOTS of that! LOL

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

If you join the military, the spacing is going to be really interesting in your row!

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

Try tennis, or pickleball (much easier, and more fun!). I want you as my partner!!!

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シ *’-BLOODLUST-‘* シ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is…. Abnormal? I have reallly long arms legs body build, YOU name it! It’s l a n g

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

This could be Marfan's and he should have his heart checked regularly

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

My son is like that, too. He didn't like getting teased about it, but he is great to have around to get things off the high shelves!

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

My husband was 6'2" and had a reach of 7 foot between fingertips. Thankfully, lol, since I was 5'2".

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

As a struggling child in art class I would have referred to this guy

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

My boyfriend is 6'6 in height I've never measured his arm span but I know its pretty impressive

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

Oh I'd hate to have you as a brother ... I'm short as hell and it would be so easy for you to smack me without me getting close to you lol. My brother used to just put his hand on my head to keep me away from him

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

just be careful if you are watching a match sat next to him and he starts clapping!

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

im still a kiddo and my hands reach below my pelvis, im 4'9 which is very tall for my age. guess we have something in common

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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

#21

None Of My Fingers Have A Middle Joint

None Of My Fingers Have A Middle Joint

JayFayad Report

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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.

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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

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

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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

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

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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

Marrtyr11 Report

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