People with blue eyes share a unique genetic connection due to a mutation in the HERC2 gene, which “turns off” the OCA2 gene responsible for brown eye color. This mutation, believed to have occurred 6,000 to 10,000 years ago during human migration from Africa to Europe, links all blue-eyed individuals to a common ancestor. Though blue eyes are rare, comprising 8-10% of the population, they carry an intriguing genetic history that unites them.

If you have blue eyes, you share a unique trait with all other individuals who have the same eye color. There’s an intriguing connection that ties you to others with blue eyes, and it’s not just the obvious reason — that you all have blue eyes.

Blue-Eyed People Share a Unique Genetic Connection Across the Globe

While the idea of six degrees of separation suggests we’re all connected in some way, people with blue eyes might actually share something more distinct. Between 8 to 10 percent of the global population is estimated to have blue eyes, with brown eyes being the most common at 79 percent as of 2020. Eye color is determined by the OCA2 gene, which controls how much brown pigment is present in your eyes.

Credits:Glamour Magazine

However, researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered that people with blue eyes possess a different gene, called HERC2, which essentially “turns off” the OCA2 gene. This discovery further revealed that everyone with blue eyes shares a common ancestor who had this genetic variation. The mutation is thought to have occurred when humans migrated from Africa to Europe, explaining why blue eyes are most commonly found in individuals of European descent.

Genetic Mutation Behind Blue Eyes Linked to Ancient Human Ancestry, Says Professor Eiberg

Professor Hans Eiberg, from the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, elaborated: “Originally, all humans had brown eyes. A genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene created a ‘switch,’ which turned off the ability to produce brown eyes.” This genetic change must have been appealing enough to be passed down through generations.

Credits:Creation

First Blue-Eyed Ancestor Lived 6,000-10,000 Years Ago, Genetic Mutation Explained

Although the specific identity of the first person with this mutation remains unknown, they are believed to have lived between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago. Professor Eiberg explained that the HERC2 gene demonstrates how nature constantly “shuffles” the human genome, creating variations and experimenting with genetic changes. He added, “All individuals with blue eyes have inherited this mutation in exactly the same location in their DNA.”

Credits: CNN

Melanin Levels Distinguish Green Eyes from Rarer Blue Eyes

Melanin, a key factor in determining eye color, is important here. Those with green eyes, which are even rarer than blue eyes (around 2 percent of the population), have a lower amount of melanin in the iris, which makes them distinct from blue-eyed individuals.

While you might not have the rarest eye color, you can still take comfort in knowing that blue eyes, especially in men, are considered highly attractive. A 2021 study by Lenstore found that blue eyes were seen as more desirable in male partners, while individuals with hazel eyes were rated more favorably in women. So, whether or not you have one of the rarest eye colors, blue-eyed people share an interesting genetic story that ties them together across generations.

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