You probably already know they shape your appearance—your height, your eye color, the fact that you’re more likely to have your mother’s smile. But your genes do a lot more than just dictate the color of your hair or how tall you stand. They sneak into some truly bizarre parts of your life, influencing everything from how much you like cilantro to how quickly you burn out at the gym.

Many of these traits aren’t just inherited from parents. Your entire family tree could be at play, stretching back through generations of aunts, uncles, great-grandparents, and estranged cousins no one talks about. The point is that science tells a lot about genes, but we’re only scratching the surface of what they control. Let’s take a look at some of the most bizarre (and fascinating) traits that you probably didn’t realize you inherited.

Whether the Sun Makes You Sneeze

You’ve probably heard of this, but did you know it’s genetic? If you’re one of the few who sneeze when stepping into bright sunlight, you’re not alone. Known as the photic sneeze reflex, it’s an autosomal dominant trait, meaning if one of your parents has it, there’s a 50% chance you’ll inherit it too. While the cause is still debated, it’s pretty clear that your genes are pulling the strings when it comes to that inconvenient burst of sneezing every time you walk outside.

Your Love (or HATE) for Cilantro

Cilantro is considered a tasty herb to most people. But it’s either you love it or it makes you gag. If you fall into the “gag” category, blame your genetics. A specific gene, OR6A2, determines whether you can taste aldehydes in cilantro, chemicals that give it that soapy taste. It turns out, those who inherit this gene are more likely to find cilantro repulsive. For the cilantro lovers out there, don’t fret—if you can’t stand the smell, crushing the leaves before you eat can still deliver the flavor without the stench. You can’t control your love for cilantro, but you can control how you enjoy it.

If You’re Popular or Not

It sounds like something out of a high school drama, but genetics can actually play a role in how sociable you are at a certain age. Studies suggest that people who have certain gene variations related to social behavior are more likely to be popular and outgoing. These same genes also seem to be connected with mild rule-breaking tendencies—so maybe there’s a correlation between being the life of the party and sneaking out at midnight.

Your Picky Eating Habits

If you’re the person who can’t stand bitter greens or insists on only eating sweet snacks, your genes are probably to blame. A gene called TAS2R38 is responsible for taste receptors that make some people ultra-sensitive to bitter flavors. Those with a more sensitive version of this gene might find Brussels sprouts revolting, while others can scarf them down. 

Whether You Need Coffee to Function

For some, the day doesn’t start until the first sip of coffee. It turns out, your caffeine dependency could be deeply wired into your genetics. A study from the National Institute of Health found that genes related to caffeine metabolism determine how people respond to the stimulant. Those who metabolize caffeine slowly may crave that cup of coffee more intensely, while others might get by with just a sip. 

Your Musical Ability (or Lack Thereof)

If you can hold a note or have an ear for music, it might not just be practice or natural flair, chances are, it’s baked right into your genes. Studies show that musical ability, like your talent for hitting a high C or your inability to differentiate between a G sharp and a garbage can lid, is partially encoded in your DNA. Acute hearing, for example, is one of the many traits that runs in families and can make the difference between a natural singer and someone who can’t carry a tune in a bucket. On the flip side, if you’re tone-deaf, genetics are likely at fault here too, not your lack of effort.

Your Political Views

Surprised? You might be, but some studies suggest that your political leanings could be partially inherited. Research shows that people with certain genetic traits are more likely to align with specific political ideologies. Democrats, for example, tend to score higher on tests of empathy and open-mindedness, while Republicans may have a genetic predisposition toward a heightened sense of fear and a preference for structure. Of course, the environment plays a huge role, but your genes might be tipping the scales toward one political identity over another.

Your Aggression Levels

Ever wonder why some people are just hotheads? Turns out, aggression has roots in genetics too. Research suggests that a particular gene variant called MAOA (nicknamed the “warrior gene”) is linked to aggressive behavior. It’s not an automatic ticket to temper tantrums, but if you find yourself getting fired up at the slightest provocation, your genetic predisposition could be making things worse. The trait likely helped our hunter-gatherer ancestors survive, but in today’s world, it might just get you kicked out of a bar.

How Much Exercise Affects You

Exercise doesn’t work the same way for everyone. Some people can pound the treadmill for a week and see muscle gain definition, while others grind through every workout and barely notice a change. Your genetic makeup plays a role in how your body reacts to physical activity. Researchers found that variations in genes such as PPARGC1A can determine how much you benefit from exercise.

Your Level of Self-Control

Some people are just naturally calm, collected, and zen-like, while others are constantly on the edge. It turns out that self-control might be more genetic than we thought. Studies have shown that genes can influence how we regulate emotions and impulses. This doesn’t mean you’re doomed if you have a short temper—learned behaviors still play a big part. But genetics are likely contributing to how quickly you can calm down when things get heated

Whether or Not You’re Athletic

An organized workout routine and strict discipline can turn anyone into an athlete, but some people are just born with it. Genetics play a huge role in athleticism—whether you’re naturally fast, strong, or have a perfect body type for endurance. Research has shown that certain genes, like the ACTN3 gene, can influence muscle performance and the ability to recover after intense exercise. 

Your Intelligence Levels

It’s no surprise that your IQ has something to do with your parents. Twins studies consistently show that identical twins, even when raised apart, tend to have strikingly similar IQs. Genetics play a huge role in intelligence, although environment and education are other major determining factors. 

How Old You Are When You Lose Your Virginity

This might sound weird, but studies have shown that your genetic makeup can influence the age you lose your virginity. Researchers found that around 25% of the variation in the age at which people lose their virginity can be traced back to genetics. The rest, of course, is shaped by your environment. 

Your Pain Tolerance

Some people have an insanely high pain threshold. Others, well, not so much. Pain tolerance is partly influenced by genetics, especially variations in genes related to how your body processes pain signals. That explains why some people barely wince when getting a shot, while others might pass out at the sight of a needle.