| The birth rate of twins continues to increase every year. The incidence of twins is currently cited as one in 39 and one in 1,341 for triplets and higher order multiples. Identical twins are genetically the same, the result of the splitting of one fertilized ovum. They are genetic clones of one another: the same sex, the same hair, and eye color. They often have similar abilities and interests. However, they have unique personalities. And interestingly, their fingerprints are different. Fraternal twins develop from the fertilization of two seperate ova and by two seperate sperm. They can be of the same sex or of opposite sexes. Genetically, they are like siblings, except they are born at the same time. |
| Unusual types of twins include Mirror Image Twins and Half Identical Twins. Only fraternal twins run in families. Identical twins happen by chance. Statistics show that there are more fraternal twins born in July; the fewest are born in Janurary. A well known tribe in Africa has the highest twinning rate(of fraternals) in the world. There, 1 in 22 births are twins. This high rate is thought to be due to their diet, which consists of large amounts of a particular species of yam. The yams contain a high level of a substance similar to the hormone estrogen. Researchers often utilize twins in their studies in order to learn more about human growth and developement |
| Twin Related Websites |
| (Twinsburg Ohio) |
| Twin Conventions |
| Twinsburg Ohio: 1st weekend of August every year Phone 330-452-3652 Email: twins@twinsdays.org |
| International Twins Association Phone 612-571-3022 Email: clarktriplets@intltwins.org |
| Twin Statistics |
| Poison Control: 1 800 955-9119 |
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| www.netwins.org Nebraska State Twin Association |