Our prints are unique, not even twin brothers or sisters have identical patterns of lines on their fingers

Mar 28, 2015 11:24 GMT  ·  By

We humans all have quite complex patterns of lines on the tips of our fingers. These patterns, which we call fingerprints, are unique to each and every guy or gal.

Although genetically identical, twins also have distinct fingerprints. This is all the more surprising given the fact that, according to researchers, our genes influence the shape of our fingerprints.

Prints can be grouped into three categories: whorls, loops and arches. Depending on what our fingers look like and how they develop in the womb, the patterns on them fall into one of these groups.

True, people who are related and therefore share some genes tend to have fingerprints belonging to the same category. Still, the exact shape of fingerprints differs from person to person.

It is believed that, although genetics guides prints towards taking the form of whorls, loops or arches, it's environmental factors that have the last say and give us the unique patterns on our fingers.

Among the environmental factors that influence final shape of fingerprints are the fetus' position in the uterus, even the density of the amniotic fluid surrounding it.

Since no two fingerprints are identical, police have for a long time now been using this anatomical quirk of ours to track down and identify criminals. Well, criminals not smart enough to wear gloves.