This article was originally published on Parentinfluence.com

Ah, science. We all love it. Our bodies and the natural world around us are a mystery we continue to strive to unravel, and genetics especially are a fascinating topic to delve into the more time goes on. But what really is going on with it? How reliable are the facts we have found about it? Why are some people born with six fingers? Well, if you’ve ever wanted the answer to some of these questions and then some, have we got the article for you. Read on, and enjoy your daily dose of facts to make you wiser about the world around you.

1. Thank You, King John

Almost all US presidents share a common ancestor: King John of England. This link connects many presidents to European royalty and nobility, except for one: Martin Van Buren. But it goes beyond that. Throughout history, royalty and nobility often had healthier children due to better nutrition and access to medicine, leading to a higher survival rate during childhood.

So, if you trace your family tree back to the 1600s, don’t be surprised to find connections to sirs, lords, earls, and barons. This history highlights the diverse backgrounds of American leaders and the impact of ancestry on their paths to the presidency.