Have you ever heard the saying, “intelligence is written all over your face”? It turns out that this may not be far from the truth. Studies have shown that there is a connection between facial structure and intelligence.

The way our faces are shaped and the features we possess may be telling of our cognitive abilities. Here’s what the research has to say:.

The Science Behind the Connection

The connection between intelligence and facial structure is rooted in genetics. Our genes dictate the way our facial features develop, as well as our brain structure and function.

Research has suggested that certain facial features are linked to specific cognitive abilities.

The Role of Cranial Capacity

One of the most heavily researched aspects of the relationship between facial structure and intelligence is cranial capacity. This refers to the size of the cranial cavity, which houses the brain.

Studies have shown that individuals with larger cranial capacity tend to have higher IQs. One study found that for every 100 ml increase in cranial volume, there is an average increase of 16 IQ points. This suggests that brain size may be a significant factor in determining intelligence.

The Impact of Facial Features

In addition to cranial capacity, the shape and size of other facial features have been linked to intelligence. For example, a study conducted in the UK found that individuals with wider faces tend to have lower IQs.

This is thought to be due to the fact that wider faces are associated with higher levels of testosterone, which has been linked to lower cognitive abilities. In contrast, individuals with narrower faces tend to have higher IQs.

Another facial feature that has been linked to intelligence is the distance between the eyes. A study published in the journal Intelligence found that individuals with closer-set eyes tend to have higher IQs.

This may be due to the fact that the brain areas responsible for intellectual functioning are located in the frontal lobes, which are located directly above the eyes.

The Link Between Facial Symmetry and Intelligence

Facial symmetry is another aspect of facial structure that has been linked to intelligence. Studies have shown that individuals with more symmetrical faces tend to have higher IQs.

This may be due to the fact that facial symmetry is an indicator of genetic health, which has been linked to superior cognitive abilities.

The Role of Genetics

As mentioned earlier, genetics play a significant role in determining both our facial structure and our cognitive abilities. Research has shown that certain genes are linked to both cranial capacity and intelligence.

One such gene is called HMGA2, which has been linked to brain size and IQ. Another gene, called ASPM, is also associated with both brain size and cognitive abilities.

The Limitations of Facial Structure as an Indicator of Intelligence

Although there is evidence to suggest that facial structure is linked to intelligence, it is important to note that this is not a perfect correlation.

The relationship between facial structure and intelligence is complex and multifaceted, and there are many factors that can influence both variables. Additionally, there is always the possibility of confounding variables that may impact the results of studies investigating this relationship.

In Conclusion

There is a growing body of research that suggests a connection between facial structure and intelligence.

The shape and size of our facial features may be telling of our cognitive abilities, and genetic factors play a significant role in determining both our brain structure and our facial features. However, it is important to approach this relationship with caution, as there are many variables that can influence both facial structure and intelligence.