MUMUKSHU
AR VID
NK Y
A
A
SH
PE
ETH
SHRI
Affiliated to C.B.S.E Board, Shahjahanpur,
Uttar Pradesh
Biology Project File
(Session 2025-26)
Topic: Ear Lobes - Attached
Submitted To: Principal:
Mrs. Anjulika Narang Dr. Meghna Mehndiratta
Submitted by:
Harshjeet Singh
(Class: 12-B)
-Certificate-
This is to certify that HARSHJEET SINGH of class XII
(Biology) of Shri Shankar Mumukshu Vidyapeeth has
completed the Investigatory Project in Biology titled
“Study Of Attached Ear Lobes" himself under the
supervision and guidance of Biology Teacher, Mrs.
Anjulika Narang, during the academic session 2025-26.
The progress of the project has been continuously
reported and has been in my knowledge consistently.
_____________ ______________ ______________
Signature of Principal Signature of External Signature of Subject
Invigilator Teacher
Acknowledgement
I am overwhelmed in all humbleness and gratefulness to acknowledge
my depth to all those who have helped me to put these ideas, well above
the level of simplicity, and into something concrete. First and foremost, I
would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the
Almighty God, whose blessings have been a source of strength
throughout this journey.
Furthermore, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my Biology
teacher, Mrs. Anjulika Narang as well as our respected Principal Dr.
Meghna Mehdiratta who gave the golden opportunity to do this
wonderful project on the topic “Study Of Attached Ear Lobes”.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my family members and
friends, who helped me a lot in gathering different information, collecting
data, and guiding me from time to time in making this project. I am
making this project not only for marks but also to increase my
knowledge.
Thanking you,
Harshjeet Singh
(XII B)
STUDY OF ATTACHED
EAR LOBES
Why I choose this project:-
I chose the topic “Study of Attached Ear Lobes”
because it is a simple yet effective way to understand
the basic principles of genetics, particularly dominant
and recessive traits. Ear lobe attachment is a visible
genetic trait that varies among individuals, making it
an interesting subject for observation and analysis.
Through this project, I was able to explore how traits
are inherited and how genetic variation exists even in
common features. This study helped me connect
classroom learning with real-world human
characteristics. I would like to thank our biology
teacher, Dr. Anjulika Narang, whose engaging lessons
and guidance inspired me to take up this project and
explore the fascinating world of genetics.
content:-
• Human Earlobes
• Types: Free and Attached
• Genetics of Earlobes
• More Information on Attached Ear Lobes
• Observations
• Pictures of Attached Ear Lobes
• Conclusion
HUMAN EARLOBE:
o The human earlobe (lobules auriculae), the lower
portion of the outer ear, is composed of
tough areolar and adipose connective tissues, lacking
the firmness and elasticity of the
rest of the auricle (the external
structure of the ear).
o In some cases, the lower lobe is
connected to the side of the face.
o Since the earlobe does not
contain cartilage it has a
large blood supply and may help to
warm the ears.
o However, earlobes are not
generally considered to have any major biological
function. The earlobe contains many nerve endings,
and for some people is an erogenous zone.
o The zoologist Desmond Morris in his book The Naked
Ape (1967) conjectured that the lobes developed as an
additional erogenous zone to facilitate the extended
sexuality necessary in the evolution of human
monogamous pair bonding.
TYPES OF EARLOBES:
In Humans, Earlobe types are primarily categorized
as attached or free (also called unattached), based
on how they connect to the side of the head:
1. Free (or Unattached) Earlobe: These earlobes
hang below the point of attachment to the head,
often appearing larger and forming a noticeable
notch or angle where they join the head. This is
considered the more common type.
2. Attached Earlobe: These earlobes are directly
connected to the side of the head, blending with
the skin without a distinct crease or gap. They are
less common and typically smaller in size.
GENETICS:
Basic Explanation:
Traditionally, this trait was thought to be controlled by a
single gene with two alleles, free earlobes being a
dominant trait and attached earlobes being recessive.:
F allele (dominant) → Free earlobes
f allele (recessive) → Attached earlobes
So:
FF or Ff = free earlobes
ff = attached earlobes
Modern Understanding:
Recent genetic studies suggest that earlobe attachment
is polygenic*, meaning multiple genes contribute to the
trait—not just one dominant/recessive pair. This is why:
Some people have intermediate earlobes (partially
attached).
The trait appears on a spectrum, not a simple binary.
A 2017 genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified
multiple genetic loci associated with earlobe attachment,
including regions on chromosomes 2, 3, 5, and 12,
indicating a complex genetic architecture.
Inheritance in Families:
Because of this complexity, predicting earlobe type based
on parents’ traits is not always accurate. Two parents
with attached earlobes could have a child with free
earlobes, depending on their genetic backgrounds.
* What Is a Polygenic Trait?
• A polygenic trait is influenced by multiple genes,
each contributing a small effect.
• Traits like height, skin colour, and earlobe
attachment fall into this category.
• Instead of a yes/no outcome (like Mendel's peas),
polygenic traits form a continuum or spectrum.
SUMMARY:
Trait Traditional Current View
View
Genetic Single gene Polygenic (complex)
Model (simple)
Dominance Free = Not clearly dominant
dominant
Inheritance Predictable Variable/spectrum
_______________________
OBSERVATIONS:
S. No. Students/ Subjects’ Type of Earlobe
Name
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
PICTURES:
Attached Earlobes:
Free Earlobes:
RESULTS:
• Total No. of people observed:_______
• Total No. of people having free earlobes: _____
• Total No. of people having attached earlobes: ____
• % of people with attached earlobes = ______ x 100 =___%
16
# So, Based on the observation of the 16 students, It has
been observed that earlobe attachment varies from free to
attached, with some showing intermediate types. This
suggests that earlobe type is likely controlled by multiple
genes rather than just one, and it supports the idea that this
trait exists on a spectrum, not as a simple dominant or
recessive pattern.
CONCLUSION:
The study of free earlobes offers a simple yet insightful
way to explore human genetics. Once believed to be
controlled by a single gene, earlobe attachment is now
understood to be a polygenic trait, explaining the wide
range of variations, including intermediate forms.
This project shows that meaningful genetic studies can
be done through basic observation and analysis,
without the need for advanced tools. It also highlights
the connection between biology and culture, as
earlobes have long held significance in personal and
social identity.
In the end, this investigation not only enhances our
understanding of genetic diversity but also shows how
even small physical traits can reveal much about our
biological and cultural history
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
• www.wikipedia.com
• www.encyclopedia.com
• www.chatgpt.com
• Class 12 NCERT Biology
• www.zetascience.com
• www.scribd.com
______________________________
Remarks
Internal Examiner’s Remarks:
External Examiner’s Remarks:
Principal’s Remarks:
____________________________________________________
-Thank you -
