Is the ability to curl one's tongue influenced by genetics, the environment, or both?

The ability to curl one's tongue is primarily influenced by genetics. This characteristic is often cited as a classic example of a genetic trait, where the ability to perform this action is passed down through hereditary factors. Research has shown that this trait can be linked to specific alleles in the genetic makeup of individuals, leading to the conclusion that the ability to curl one's tongue follows Mendelian inheritance patterns.

While environmental factors can play a role in many traits, this specific ability has not been shown to be significantly impacted by external conditions or experiences. Thus, it is generally accepted within genetics that tongue curling is a heritable trait, reinforcing the conclusion that genetics is the main influence on whether an individual can or cannot curl their tongue.