The majority of the population has brown eyes. Credit: Alamy

Of course, the true origin story behind blue eyes remains shrouded in mystery. We know that this unique eye color first emerged when humans migrated from Africa to Europe thousands of years ago. But the specific details of how and why this genetic mutation occurred are still heavily debated by scientists.

What we do know is that the “blue-eyed gene” is called HERC2, and it works by essentially switching off the OCA2 gene – the one responsible for producing brown pigment in the iris. This means that, at some point in our evolutionary history, a chance genetic event created the very first blue-eyed human.

And from that single ancestor, the entire population of blue-eyed people around the world is descended. As Professor Hans Eiberg from the University of Copenhagen explains, “Originally, we all had brown eyes. But a genetic mutation…resulted in the creation of a ‘switch’, which literally ‘turned off’ the ability to produce brown eyes.”

In the end, the captivating story of blue eyes serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible diversity within the human genome. While we may share certain universal traits, we are each a unique blend of ancestral genetic codes – a “cocktail” constantly being “shuffled” by the forces of evolution.

So the next time you gaze into the mesmerizing azure irises of a blue-eyed beauty, remember that you’re witnessing the legacy of a single, ancient ancestor. It’s a testament to the endless creativity of nature, and the shared genetic tapestry that binds us all together as a species.