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changes. The analysis focused on the correlation between high IQ and phenotypic plasticity, exploring

potential genetic bases for these changes.

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uma amostra de 40 indivíduos com alto QI do grupo Gifted Debate, este estudo analisou autorrelatos de

mudanças físicas desde a infância até a idade adulta. A maioria dos participantes (90%) relatou alterações

substanciais, enquanto os 10% restantes, diagnosticados com dupla excepcionalidade, podem não ter

percepções distintas de suas alterações fenotípicas. A análise centrou-se na correlação entre QI elevado e

plasticidade fenotípica, explorando potenciais bases genéticas para estas alterações.

plasticidade fenotípica

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composed of a confluence of distinct morphological components —from nasal prominence to mandibular

features — varies substantially among individuals and often throughout life. Elements such as the nasal root,

dorsum, and tip, in addition to the nostrils and nasal alae, constitute only a fraction of facial characteristics that

exhibit observable phenotypic variability. Additionally, ocular structures like the conjunctiva, sclera, iris, and

pupil, along with the lens and retina, are influenced by genetic components that also regulate visual acuity and

other biological traits.

The human head presents in various forms, including brachycephalic, dolichocephalic, and mesocephalic

types, each with direct implications for cranial aesthetics and perception. Furthermore, components such as

the chin, formed by the fusion of the mandible with the maxilla, and the ears, which include the helix, lobe,

concha, external auditory canal, and ossicles, contribute to individual acoustic identity.

The emerging hypothesis from this phenotypic review is that genetic expression related to intelligence traits

transcends the traditional division between cognitive ability and physical expression. The mobilization of the

Gifted Debate group, a collective of high-IQ individuals, facilitated the development of a preliminary

investigation based on visual data collection and anecdotal reports, aiming to quantify phenotypic variability

and establish a robust empirical correlate for more in-depth genetic analyses. This investigation promises to

reveal nuances previously unexplored at the intersection of genetics, environment, and human morphological

trajectory.

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neurogenesis and myelination are involved in differences in intelligence. This study also implicated genes

expressed at the synapse and those involved in the regulation of the nervous system, suggesting a link

between neuronal development and intelligence (Hill et al. 2018).

The influence of specific neurobiological processes on cognition has been extensively documented in

contemporary scientific literature. Notably, neurogenesis and myelination emerge as critical components at

this interface, serving as substrates for the manifestation of human intelligence. The seminal study by Hill et

al. (2018) revealed that genetic variants influencing neurogenesis and myelination contribute significantly to

interindividual variations in cognitive abilities. This finding is not isolated, as other genes identified in the

study are predominantly expressed in synaptic regions and involved in the regulation of the central nervous

behavioral and somatic genetics.

genetic loci that contribute to both intelligence and correlated physical traits. Savage et al. (2018) conducted

a large-scale GWAS meta-analysis involving 269,867 individuals, identifying 205 loci linked to

intelligence and implicating 1,016 genes through eQTL mapping and chromatin interaction analysis.

Many of these genes are strongly expressed in the brain, and variations in the expression of certain genes can

directly or indirectly influence the development and maintenance of cognitive traits, highlighting the

connection between physical traits of the brain and cognitive functions. It suggests that neurodevelopmental

pathways, neurogenesis, and synaptic regulation are fundamental to both cognitive abilities and general

neurological development, possibly affecting physical traits such as brain morphology.

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need for further investigation into how these genetic expressions contribute to individual differences in

cognitive abilities and how they may be interconnected with observable brain physical characteristics.

Subsequently, Hill et al. (2018) expanded on these findings through a combined study exploring genetically

correlated traits, finding 187 loci that influence intelligence. This study emphasized the role of myelination

and neurogenesis, not only in relation to cognitive function but also implicating these processes in the physical

development of the brain.

Ongoing investigation in this area is critical to unravel the extent to which and in what manner genes affecting

intelligence also influence physical characteristics, and vice versa. The challenge remains in discerning the

extent of genetic and functional overlap, and how these insights can be applied to better understand the etiology

of human variations in both mental capacities and physical traits.

This study highlights that the expression of specific genes, which regulate processes such as myelination and

Furthermore, the research suggests that the density and integrity of white matter, which are highly heritable,

are correlated with general intelligence measures, indicating a biological substrate for variations in cognitive

performance among individuals.

The convergence of genomic studies and brain imaging has allowed for a more integrated approach to

understanding how genes affecting brain structure may also be involved in complex cognitive traits. This field

of study continues to expand with advanced genotyping and neuroimaging technologies, providing a more

detailed view of the role of genes in both brain architecture and cognitive functionality.

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correlations between these traits and other phenotypes, such as intelligence, indicating substantial genetic

overlap between facial morphology and cognitive traits.

The interdisciplinary research exploring genetic correlations between intelligence and physical facial

characteristics represents an intriguing and expanding area of behavioral genetics and morphology. The study

elucidated that various dimensions of the human face not only exhibit significant heritability but also share

genetic substrates with intelligence, suggesting a complex pleiotropic interaction between these phenotypes.

The study identified that characteristics such as facial symmetry, interpupillary distance, and nose shape are

not only influenced by environmental factors but are also strongly rooted in our genetic constitution. The

analysis revealed considerable genetic overlap, indicating that genes affecting facial morphology may also

play roles in cognitive development and other traits related to intelligence.

symmetry as a potential indicator of genetic quality and developmental stability, correlating with both

mutations. These aspects are theoretically linked to neurological development and superior cognitive

abilities, indicating an indirect connection between facial symmetry and intelligence.

The underlying reasoning for this association is based on the hypothesis that facial symmetry, being a result

of undisturbed embryonic and postnatal development, suggests a less compromised genetic load and, therefore,

better overall biological functioning. Thus, individuals with higher facial symmetry could theoretically exhibit

better cognitive performance due to the influence of genes that affect both facial morphology and neuronal

development.

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common genetic bases, offering new perspectives on how seemingly superficial traits can have profound

implications for biological and evolutionary understanding.

These studies suggest a complex genetic basis linking physical characteristics, including facial features, with

cognitive traits such as intelligence. Future advances in genetics and neuroscience are likely to expand our

understanding of these intriguing connections.

The analysis of genetic intersections between specific physical traits and cognitive functions reveals a notable

complexity, where particular genes demonstrate extensive pleiotropic influences. Among these, the PAX6 gene

stands out as a central point in ocular development while simultaneously impacting aspects of cognition.

stimuli (Ferguson et al., 2018).

and developmental studies. The pleiotropy of genes like PAX6 and OXTR illustrates the interconnectivity of

biological systems that regulate both physical development and aspects of human intelligence. Understanding

these connections could eventually lead to more precise interventions in treating neurodevelopmental and

visual disorders.

Observations about the visual characteristics in individuals with high IQ offer a fascinating opportunity to

explore how genetic variations can influence both cognition and ocular morphology. Studies suggest that

people with high IQ often exhibit a gaze that reflects not only an acute analytical capacity but also a vivacity

that can be partially attributed to pupil dynamics and their adaptation in complex cognitive situations.

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coordinator of the Gifted Debate, a group composed of more than 40 gifted individuals who regularly meet to

discuss, build, and debate research.

and analytical, which may reflect intense activation of brain areas involved in information processing and

problem-solving. The vibrancy of this gaze could be associated with higher neural activity, as indicated by

studies linking elevated cognitive abilities with greater connectivity and efficiency in brain networks (Jung &

Haier, 2007).

tasks requiring high cognitive effort, suggesting that variations in pupil size can be an indicator of cognitive

capacity (Beatty & Lucero-Wagoner, 2000). The variation in pupil size in response to intellectual stimuli may

phenotypes in identifying complex cognitive traits. Future studies could delve deeper into how these visual

interactions between genes, brain structure, and cognitive functions.

Investigating the correlations between ocular anatomical characteristics and cognitive capacity remains an

expanding field of study that addresses complex interactions between neurology and genetics. While pupil

dilation and eye movements have been associated with cognitive processes, applying these indicators to assess

intelligence requires rigorous analysis.

The correlation between pupil dilation and cognitive load is supported by evidence suggesting an increase in

pupil dilation in response to engagement in tasks requiring high cognitive processing (Beatty & Lucero-