22 Fascinating and Amusing Facts About Twins
Twins capture people's attention and imagination in a unique way. Whether identical or fraternal, twins share a special bond and have intriguing characteristics. In this article, we'll explore 22 entertaining facts about twins that reveal just how wonderful and wacky being a twin can be!
1. Twins Interact and Bond Before Birth
Twins begin relating and connecting to each other in the womb. Scientists have found that twins start interacting as early as 14 weeks into gestation. They'll touch each other, poke, stroke faces, and even play together before birth!
2. Twins Can Be Born Years Apart
Normally, twins are born minutes or hours apart. But in very rare cases, twins can be born up to 4 years apart! This is caused by one egg splitting early in pregnancy, but only one embryo implanting initially. The second implants years later, leading to two babies born far apart.
3. Mirror Image Identical Twins Are Exact Reflections
While all identical twins share the exact same DNA, about 25% are mirror images of each other. This means features like birthmarks or moles will show up opposite sides. Even their hair can swirl in opposite directions. For mirror twins, it's like looking in a reflection!
4. Twins Invent Secret Languages
Up to 50% of twins speak a secret language only they understand called idioglossia or "twin talk." Beginning as babbling babies, twins will invent words, abbreviations and gestures over time. This special twin bond lasts into childhood for many before one learns the primary language.
5. Twins Have Sixth Sense About Each Other
Many twins report being able to sense when their twin is hurt or in distress even from far away. Accounts of physical symptoms happening to both twins abound. Scientists believe this twin ESP or sympathy pain comes from their intense lifelong connection and familiarity.
6. Identical Twins Have Almost Identical Fingerprints
Identical twins share nearly identical DNA which leads to fascinating similarities. Their fingerprints will match closely but not be exactly the same. Minor differences called discordancies occur from conditions in utero. It's just enough variance to tell them apart with fingerprint analysis.
7. Twins Run In Families
If you have an identical twin, your chances of having fraternal twins goes up. And if you are a fraternal twin, you're more likely than average to have your own set too. Twins run in families, especially with multiple prior generations. Genetics heavily influence twinning.
8. Identical Twins Can Have Different Fathers
In very rare cases, identical twins can have different fathers. This happens when a woman releases two eggs at once and has sex with two men in the same ovulation period. Each sperm fertilizes an egg, producing genetically identical twins with two dads!
9. Twins Share a Special Bond Called Twinship
The intense lifelong relationship between twins is unlike any other and is called twinship. This unbreakable connection and compassion for each other forms beginning at birth. Their shared womb history and joint upbringing strengthens twinship.
10. Some Conjoined Twins Share Senses and Thoughts
Conjoined twins are truly two separate people sharing one body. But certain types like craniopagus twins joined at the skull display an intertwined physiology. They can share thoughts, visions, tastes, physical sensations and even see out of each other's eyes!
11. Identical Twins Have Nearly Identical Brainwaves
The astonishing similarities between identical twins shows up on brain scans too. Studies reveal their brainwave patterns are nearly as alike as the twins themselves. This demonstrates just how strong the twin connection is, right down to their brain functions.
12. Twins Often Partner Up As Adults
That built-in best friend since birth leads many twins to maintain a close relationship into adulthood. Many twins end up living near each other, socializing together often and involving each other in big life events. The twin partner usually remains for life.
13. Twins Have Higher Rates of Bipolar Disorder
Mental health struggles can impact twins more than non-twins. Identical twins have triple the risk of bipolar disorder when one twin has it. The reasons are still unclear, but likely involve genetics, prenatal factors and intense togetherness.
14. Extreme Multiple Twins Are Possible but Rare
While twins and triplets are common, very high order multiple births are possible but rare. The highest on record is eight babies born together in 2009. Carrying so many babies is higher risk requiring intensive medical intervention.
15. Twins Day Festival Is the Largest Twin Gathering
Every August thousands of twins converge in Twinsburg, Ohio for the largest annual gathering of twins and multiples in the world. Activities at Twins Days celebrate twins of all kinds having outrageous fun together. Most attendees are identical twins.
16. Polar Body Twins Can Be Half-Identical
A very newly discovered twin phenomenon is polar body or semi-identical twins. This is when one egg splits before fertilization and then both halves get fertilized by different sperm. These twins share 100% maternally but only some paternal DNA.
17. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Are Fraternal Twins
The wildly successful child star twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen captivated millions growing up. But surprisingly, these two are actually fraternal twins, not identical. They just look impressively alike due to shared upbringing and origins.
18. About 1 in 250 Births Produces Twins
Twins are way more common than most people realize. The global twinning rate is rising and now sits at about 4 in 1000 births. The U.S. has one of the highest twin rates at 16 twins per 1000 births and about 133,000 sets born annually!
19. Identical Twins Don't Always Look Identical
With identical DNA and features, you'd expect identical twins to be carbon copies. But environmental factors like nutrition, lifestyle, sun exposure and more can lead to physical differences over time. Weight, skin, hair and more can diverge as they age.
20. Vanishing Twin Syndrome Means Twins Disappear
Vanishing twin syndrome happens in up to 30% of twin pregnancies. This is when one twin passes early in gestation and is reabsorbed by the mother's body. The remaining twin will never even know they had a twin that vanished.
21. Twins Can Be Born Different Races
In extremely rare cases, fraternal twins can be born with different skin colors and racial features. This happens when a woman of mixed race conceives twins with sperm from two men of different races during ovulation.
22. Identical Twins Share Similar Interests and Abilities
Studies show identical twins, even raised apart, develop strangely parallel lives. They exhibit uncanny similarities in personality, job interests, spouses, parenting style, hobbies, health issues and more. Twinship is a powerful shared force.
The unique and incredible world of twins will never cease to fascinate. From lifelong bonds to bizarre quirks, twins hold an aura of mystery and allure. The special genetic and social qualities of being a twin create a truly one-of-a-kind life experience.
FAQs
Can twins really be born years apart?
In extremely rare cases, yes - twins can be born up to 4 years apart! This happens when one egg splits but only one embryo implants initially. The second implants much later leading to babies born far apart.
Do all identical twins have matching fingerprints?
No, identical twin fingerprints are nearly but not exactly the same. Minor differences called discordancies occur in utero, allowing for identification. But their prints will match very closely.
Can twins sense each other's pain and distress?
Many twins report being able to tell when their twin is hurt or upset even from afar. This twin ESP or sixth sense likely stems from their intense lifelong familiarity and connection.
How many babies have been born in a single birth?
The highest multiple birth on record is octuplets with 8 babies born together. But this is extraordinarily rare, high risk, and requires extensive medical intervention during pregnancy and birth.
Do identical twins have the exact same DNA?
Yes, identical twins share 100% of the same DNA since they come from a single fertilized egg. That's why identical twins look nearly identical and have such uncanny lifelong similarities.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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