Twin facts
Two-thirds of twins will be non-identical (fraternal). One third will be identical (non-fraternal).
Non-identical twins result from separate fertilisations, that is, two eggs are fertilised by separate sperms and develop independently. These will split equally three ways: boy-boy, boy-girl, girl-girl.
Identical twins are nature's own clones - a single fertilised egg will divide into two and create two genetically identical babies. These are always same-sex: you can't have identical boy-girl twins.
Worldwide there are at least 125 million living multiples.
Did you know that up to 22 percent of twins are left-handed? In the non-twin population the number is just under 10 percent.
The United States has one of the highest rates of multiples, while Japan has one of the lowest with multiple births occurring one in 120 births.
Twins are either fraternal or identical. Fraternal twins share the same womb, but come from different ovum. They are as alike as any pair of siblings. On the other hand, identical twins come from the same fertilized ovum and consequently share the same genetic makeup.
| Incredible fact: According to the Guinness Book of Records, Leontina Albina, from the country of Chile, gave birth to the last of her 55 children in 1981. Her offspring included five sets of triplets (all boys). |
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The scientific study of twins is known as "gemellology." The word twin is probably derived from an ancient German word twine, which means ‘two together.’
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The average weight of a singleton newborn is 7 lbs. 6 oz., but the average weight of a triplet newborn is 3 lbs. 12 oz.
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Fraternal twins are much more common than identical twins. The chances of having identical twins is about one in 285.
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Identical twins exhibit almost identical brain wave patterns.
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Genetic factors do not have much, if any, affect on the incidence of identical twins. Identical twins do not run in families.
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What a concept! There is a restaurant in New York City called "Twins." It was started by twin sisters and is staffed by 37 sets of identical twins who work the same shifts. Each evening they get 10 or more sets of twins or multiples who patron their unique restaurant. |
Famous people who have parented twins:
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