Abstract

Forensic genetics employs molecular methods to aid in the investigation of unresolved cases. Conventional forensic identification relies on comparing DNA profiles from crime-scene samples with reference DNA obtained from potential suspects. Advances in genomic technologies have expanded this capability, enabling the prediction of externally visible characteristics (EVCs) directly from DNA. Traits such as eye, skin, and hair color, as well as specific facial features, can now be inferred using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Recently, ear morphology has emerged as an additional EVC of interest due to its distinctive anatomical structure and relative stability against environmental influences.
The human ear, characterized by its complex and highly individualized morphology, represents a promising biometric feature for forensic applications. Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) incorporating ear-related genetic markers may complement traditional DNA analyses by narrowing investigative leads. This review examines the anatomical structure of the ear, the genetic factors underlying its morphological variation, and the potential integration of ear-specific phenotypic prediction into forensic practice. Furthermore, genetic variants associated with ear morphology and their relevance for FDP are summarized.

Key words: Ear morphology, single nucleotide polymorphisms, forensic DNA phenotyping, genome-wide association studies