THE HUMAN FACE – A UNIQUE PATTERN?

The interest in biometrics grows as sensor development makes the science of facial recognition technically feasible. The notion of identity is directly related to physical information and the individuality of the human face is a substantial factor in providing a large part of our own identity. In Darwinian terms, the face must have a role in the development of the species. Why is it important to differentiate the face? Is it because as the species developed, its sense of smell became less important as the brain grew and visual recognition rather than odour signalled the cues to tribe, species or family? Or perhaps there is a deeper need in the human spirit to be unique unto itself? Whatever the case the face plays the important role in the identification process.