Scientists have identified more than 300 genes associated with specific facial features. Known genetic variants explain only about 14% of the differences in faces.
Scientists have noted that certain parts of the face, including cheeks and mouth, must appear more susceptible to environmental influences such as diet, aging, and climate. However, some agree that another clue to this missing factor lies in the families' unique genetics. “My son has his grandmother's nose,” says Benedikt Hallgrimsson, a developmental geneticist at the University of Calgary.