8 Body Traits That Only a Small Number of People in the World Possess

We all have some particularity that makes us different. On the other hand, we have many similarities that connect us as a species. Humans are 99% genetically identical due to our common ancestors and genome composition. This means that a 1% difference can lead to a fantastic variation in appearance, from having a floppy thumb to being ambidextrous.

The team of awesome.club wants to celebrate diversity and uniqueness, so we’ve compiled a list of the most impressive body features that only a small percentage of the population possess.

A double thumb, or a “backpacker thumb,” is a “hypermobile” (or extremely flexible) thumb that can bend backwards beyond its normal range of motion. This rare body feature can be useful in real life, especially for musicians who play the flute, violin or piano.

Syndactyly, or “webbed fingers,” is a syndrome in which the skin between two or more fingers is joined by bone or cartilage. It is the most common congenital hand condition, occurring in one in every 2,000 births. The exact cause is uncertain. In any case, this condition is believed to be caused by an unusual slowdown in finger formation during weeks 7 and 8 of pregnancy.

Only 2% of the population in the world has natural red hair. This is most common in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The gene for redheads is recessive. This means that both parents must have a copy of it for their children to inherit that trait.

The human tongue is covered with small bumps, the taste buds. Its role is to help us enjoy the food we eat. Some people have more taste buds and receptors and can feel flavors more intensely, so their taste sensitivity is stronger. They are called supertasters and are sensitive to bitter flavors like spinach, coffee and chocolate.

A person who is ambidextrous can use their hands equally well. The term derives from the Latin, ambidexter, which can be translated as “right-handed on both sides”. Only 1% of the population has this rare body feature. Among the most famous ambidextrous in history are: Leonardo da Vinci, Ben Franklin and Albert Einstein.

It is known that the heart is on the left side of the body. However, a rare condition called dextrocardia can cause an individual to have a right-sided heart. This is a rare disorder that affects less than 1% of the population and can sometimes be treated with surgery.

Distichiasis is a rare condition where a person has extra eyelashes. If you look closely at someone with this condition, you’ll see two rows of eyelashes instead of one. The extra set of eyelashes may look like normal eyelashes, but most of the time they are short and thick and vary in length and thickness depending on where they are located on the lid.

Having a small hole near your ear is a rare condition called a “preauricular” sinus. It can occur in one or both ears, although it is more often seen on the right side. It is usually benign and presents no health problems.

When you think about your body, which part makes you feel unique? Is there a rare body feature that we didn’t mention? We look forward to your comment!