Ear wiggling, the ability to voluntarily move one’s ears without physical assistance, is a unique human trait that often sparks curiosity. This distinctive capability, present in a small percentage of the population, raises questions about its origins and whether it is an inherited characteristic or a skill that can be developed.
The Genetics of Ear Wiggling
The question of whether ear wiggling is genetic has evolved in scientific understanding over time. Historically, it was sometimes considered a simple dominant genetic trait. However, more recent research suggests a more intricate picture, indicating it is not a clear-cut inherited characteristic. An AncestryDNA study involving over 790,000 individuals identified 250 DNA markers linked to ear wiggling, suggesting a partial genetic component. This research points towards a polygenic influence, meaning multiple genes likely contribute to the predisposition, rather than a single gene dictating the ability.
Despite the genetic associations, the AncestryDNA study concluded that while genetics play a role, a larger portion of the variation in ear-wiggling ability might be attributed to practice and behavior. A 1949 study observed that while most ear wigglers had at least one parent with the same ability, some cases existed where both parents lacked the trait, further indicating it does not follow a simple dominant inheritance pattern. The current consensus suggests that genetics may provide a predisposition by setting up the necessary musculature, but the actual manifestation of the ability is complex and not solely determined by heredity.
The Muscles Involved
The ability to wiggle ears relies on a specific group of muscles known as the auricular muscles. Humans possess three extrinsic auricular muscles: the anterior auricular muscle, the superior auricular muscle, and the posterior auricular muscle. These muscles connect the outer ear, or auricle, to the skull and scalp.
For humans, these muscles are largely considered vestigial. The anterior auricular muscle primarily draws the ear forward, the superior auricular muscle lifts it slightly, and the posterior auricular muscle pulls it backward. While these movements are usually slight in humans, the conscious control and development of these muscles are what enable ear wiggling. These muscles are innervated by branches of the facial nerve.
Can You Learn to Wiggle Your Ears?
Despite any genetic predispositions, many individuals can learn to wiggle their ears through deliberate practice and training. This process involves gaining conscious control over the auricular muscles, which are often underutilized in humans. It requires focused effort and persistence to develop the necessary neural pathways. Training often involves attempting to isolate and contract the muscles around the ear, sometimes using visual feedback from a mirror to observe subtle movements.
While some people may naturally possess stronger or more easily controllable auricular muscles, others can develop the ability with consistent effort. Researchers suggest that everyone possesses the underlying musculature for ear movement, and the challenge lies in bringing these muscles under voluntary control. Success in learning varies, but acquiring this skill through dedicated practice is widely acknowledged. In fact, some studies even hypothesize that the cognitive complexity involved in learning such a skill, like ear wiggling, could potentially promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections.