IDENTICAL TWINS Meaning and
Definition
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Identical twins refer to a pair of siblings who develop from a single fertilized egg, also known as a zygote. The fertilized egg splits into two separate embryos during early embryonic development, resulting in the birth of two individuals who share the same genetic makeup. Identical twins are also referred to as monozygotic twins.
Due to sharing the same genetic material, identical twins exhibit a remarkable resemblance in their physical characteristics, including facial features, height, and body build. They typically possess nearly identical DNA sequences, which determine their genetic traits and predispositions. However, while their genetic makeup is incredibly similar, small differences may arise due to random mutations during development or environmental influences.
Identical twins are the result of a spontaneous occurrence and occur randomly amongst all ethnic groups and populations. Their unique biological connection has captivated scientists and researchers for decades, offering a valuable opportunity to explore the influence of nature versus nurture in human development. Additionally, studying identical twins provides a valuable resource for understanding the impacts of genetics on health, behavior, and various other aspects of our lives.
Identical twins are often confused with fraternal twins, who develop from two separate fertilized eggs and share only 50% of their genes, similar to any other siblings. The distinction between the two types of twins is crucial for understanding the biological and genetic factors contributing to human variation and development.
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Two perfectly formed enzygotic twins of the same sex.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for IDENTICAL TWINS
- udentical twins
- jdentical twins
- kdentical twins
- odentical twins
- 9dentical twins
- 8dentical twins
- isentical twins
- ixentical twins
- icentical twins
- ifentical twins
- irentical twins
- ieentical twins
- idwntical twins
- idsntical twins
- iddntical twins
- idrntical twins
- id4ntical twins
- id3ntical twins
- idebtical twins
- idemtical twins
Etymology of IDENTICAL TWINS
The word "identical twins" originates from the combination of two separate components: "identical" and "twins".
The term "twins" is derived from the Old English word "twinn", which means "consisting of two", and has Germanic roots. It is most commonly associated with sibling pairs born from the same pregnancy, typically within a short time frame.
The word "identical" first appeared in the mid-17th century, derived from the Latin word "identicus", which means "the same". It evolved from the Latin word "idem", meaning "the same person or thing". Over time, "identical" has come to describe something that is indistinguishable or very similar in every aspect.
When these two words are combined as "identical twins", they refer to siblings who develop from a single fertilized egg, known as a zygote, and share the same genetic material.
