The shape of the face is much more prone to changes compared to other body parts. Besides, the genes connected with its structure are more varied than the DNA in other body parts. This fact allowed the researchers from the University of California to come to the conclusion that evolution played a big part in the variety of our appearance.

When the DNA of a modern human and the DNA of a Neanderthal and a Denisovan were compared, it was found that 2 genes (one related to the distance between the chin and the bridge of the nose, and the other related to nose shape) had similar levels of variability. This means that the facial variety was in constant development in the process of evolution.

What it looks like. For example, let’s take a hypothetical gene coding either a big or a small nose, depending on the DNA variation. If a long nose was harmful, it would have been deleted over time. But if its usefulness depends on the context of the environment, then both long and short variants will remain in the genome, leading to a more diverse set of genes.

Besides, this facial individuality might have appeared due to a need to identify each other which is important for socialization. You can see this in paper wasps. They rely on their distinctive appearance traits to identify each other. It helps them see who is who in their hierarchy.

A unique face is like a name tag. Even in closely related groups, the faces are quite different genetically. Most body parts are in sync with each other: if an arm is wide, it’s usually long. But the appearance of the face is unpredictable.

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