Why do children often look like their parents???

[hwelsby]

I am having difficulty finding a clear answer to my question. I know the main structure of the answer but need to put it into a better phrase. Can anyone help???

[wildwood]

At the time of conception each parent's genes contribute to the ensuing zygote which eventually becomes a little human. It is not often that an even share is derived from both parents, many children are more like one parent.

This somewhat haphazard genetic contribution is determined in our genes.
Sometimes cousins look more alike than siblings.
Sometimes all children in one family all look very much alike.

[Hymie]

I have noticed that children often look like the milkman, but I haven’t a clue as to why this should be.

[Pigletion]

Your genotype, is half Mum, half Dad. However, your phenotype, as in your outward characteristics depend on combinations of genes, which are dominant, which are recessive etc. This can produce a wide range of overall phenotypes, although chances of hair colour or eye colour are limited to the information contained in your genes. (Darwin's theory - like produces like).

That's why you might more closely resemble an aunt/uncle or a cousin as you may have inherited the same half of the genes and they are presented in the same way.

You should share characteristics of your parents and/or grand parents (great grandparents etc. etc.) as you share some of the same genetic material.

[hwelsby]

thank you all !!!
this has helped me alot