You may not be able to fold your tongue because the ability to do so is thought to be a recessive trait [11, 16, 17].
Understanding Tongue Folding Ability
While the popular understanding is that tongue rolling is a dominant genetic trait, and therefore easier to inherit, tongue folding is thought to be more complex.
Genetic Factors
- Recessive Trait: If tongue folding is indeed a recessive trait, you would need to inherit the gene for tongue folding from both parents to be able to do it. If you only inherit it from one parent, you will likely not be able to fold your tongue.
- Relationship to Tongue Rolling: Some research suggests the gene for tongue rolling influences tongue folding. In other words, that tongue rolling and tongue folding are linked somehow [9, 10, 18].
Environmental Factors
While often simplified as purely genetic, many human traits are influenced by a combination of genetics and environment. It's possible that even if you have the genetic predisposition, other factors might hinder your ability to fold your tongue.
Simplification of Genetics
It's important to note that the genetic basis of tongue folding is likely more complex than a single gene model. Many genes may be involved, and their interactions can determine whether or not you can fold your tongue.
