Forensic DNA phenotyping （FDP） analysis uses DNA from biological samples left in crime scenes to predict individual phenotypic traits, such as geographical origin of ethnic group, height, weight, skin color, hair color and shape, iris color, male baldness, facial morphology, age, etc., thereby providing clues for case investigations. Among these traits, features of facial morphology are relatively more complicated. This paper makes an overall analysis of the measurement and collection of facial morphology, research on facial morphology related genes, forensic application and establishment of facial morphology depiction model, ethical issues, etc., then summarizes the latest research progress on features of facial morphology.
DNA/genetics* ; Face ; Forensic Genetics/methods* ; Humans ; Male ; Phenotype ; Physical Appearance, Body/genetics*

Molecular identification of human externally visible characteristic （EVC）, which is also called forensic DNA phenotyping （FDP）, can serve as a "molecular witness" when the routine investigations can not determine the identity of a criminal and the DNA database find no match after comparison. FDP could assist in investigation of cases by inferring the externally visible phenotypic characteristics from DNA obtained from the biological materials left at crime scenes, or unknown corpses. In the last few years, studies on the selection of EVC related molecular markers have been reported frequently and some of the EVCs could already be inferred with a certain accuracy, such as hair color and iris color. Further fundamental research on molecular genetics of human external phenotypic characteristics, as well as the continuous innovation on molecular biological technology would promote the rapid development of DNA molecular identification of human phenotypic characteristics.
DNA/genetics* ; Databases, Nucleic Acid ; Eye Color/genetics* ; Forensic Anthropology/trends* ; Forensic Genetics/trends* ; Hair Color/genetics* ; Humans ; Phenotype ; Physical Appearance, Body/genetics* ; Skin Pigmentation/genetics*