Myths and Curiosities About Twins
According to statistics, 3 out of every 1,000 pregnancies are identical twins that even share DNA. The reason is none other than a zygote that divides at an early stage and generates two similar babies.
The Truth About the Twin
Believe it or not, even though twins are popping up more and more (thanks to fancy science!), there’s still a ton of mysteries and mind-benders surrounding these double bundles of joy. From secret languages to vanishing twin syndrome (yikes!), get ready to dive into a world of twin trivia that’ll have you saying “Whaaaat?” Buckle up for some surprising facts and fun stuff you never knew about twins!
Identical Twins isn’t Hereditary
That’s actually a half-truth! Most identical twins (also called monozygotic) happen by chance, kind of like a genetic happy accident. Science doesn’t show a strong family history connection in most cases. But hey, genetics can be funny sometimes! There have been a few rare families with a higher-than-average rate of identical twins, hinting there might be some genes involved. Researchers are still figuring this one out. So, the story on identical twins is more “usually not hereditary, but maybe sometimes?” Stay tuned for science to crack the code!
Fraternal Twins Run in the Family
Identical Twins: These mirror-image marvels are a genetic fluke! Science doesn’t see a clear family link in most cases. Think of it as a super rare genetic high five that just happens.
Fraternal Twins: Now these double trouble-makers are a different story! If your mom or grandma ever had twins (not identical!), then you actually have a higher chance of having twins yourself. Science thinks it might have something to do with genes that make a woman release more than one egg at a time. So, fraternal twins can be a bit more hereditary than their identical counterparts. Pretty cool, huh?
They Do not Share Fingerprints
Identical twins might look like peas in a pod, but their fingerprints are totally unique! Here’s the surprising reason: even though they share the same genes, identical twins develop their fingerprints in the womb by touching different parts of the amniotic sac. These tiny touches create those swirls and lines that make fingerprints one-of-a-kind, even for twins. So next time you see identical twins, remember – they might look alike, but their fingerprints tell a different story! Livescience [invalid URL removed]
They are not Identical but they are Symmetrical
- Brain and Thought Patterns: Identical twins share a very similar genetic makeup, which can influence brain development. Studies suggest they might have some similar thought patterns and even learn things at the same pace. But, identical twins are still individuals with their own experiences and personalities.
- Physical Symmetry: This one’s cool! Identical twins often have mirrored features, like birthmarks. If one twin has a mark on their right leg, the other might have it on their left. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes the mirror image isn’t perfect, and handedness (left-handed vs. right-handed) can be different even in identical twins.
So, identical twins share a lot, but they’re also unique individuals! Pretty fascinating, right?
Twice Left Handed Twins
It is estimated that 10% of the world population is left-handed while, in the case of identical twins, this percentage increases to 22%.
Telepathy? Only in the Movies
No, the twins do not have the ability to communicate via telepathy. As they pointed out by Discovery, it is a myth that has spread more than it should. It is true that growing up together, the twins know each other perfectly and it can often seem like they can read each other’s mind.
Contact in utero
That’s incredible! It seems like that special twin bond starts way earlier than we thought. According to a study by the University of Padova, these tiny tenants in the womb start reaching out and touching their sibling as early as 14 weeks! And get this – they actually touch each other more than they touch themselves. Imagine that, two little peas in a pod already starting to connect! Science is constantly revealing amazing things about twins, and this early touchy-feely behavior is seriously heartwarming.
Cryptophasia
Ever heard of twins talking in their own secret language? It’s a real thing, and it’s called cryptophasia! Imagine two little peas in a pod spending so much time together that they accidentally invent their own way of communicating. It might sound like gibberish to everyone else, but to the twins, it’s a perfectly understood code. Pretty cool, right?
Advantages for mom
Women who give birth to twins tend to live longer and be healthier than average. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, the healthiest mothers have the possibility of transmitting your genes twice, improving the species in the new generations.
The Belly Button is Key
If you are ever stumped on how to tell a pair of identical twins apart, there is one thing that is always different: their belly button! This makes identifying newborn identical twins a little easier.