Fraternal twins (dizygotic twins) are simply two fertilized eggs that are implanted in the uterus at the same time. Identical twins (monozygotic twins) is one fertilized egg that separates into two embryos. In most cases, identical twins share one placenta, but have separate amniotic sacs. In some cases, they have two placentas. In rare cases, they share both the placenta and the amniotic sac.
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Fraternal twins occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm cells. Identical twins occur when a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos, which then develop into two genetically identical individuals.
No, fraternal twins are more common than identical twins. Identical twins occur when a fertilized egg splits into two embryos, resulting in two individuals with the same genetic makeup. Fraternal twins occur when two eggs are fertilized by two different sperm, resulting in siblings who share approximately 50% of their genetic material, like regular siblings.
Identical twins, due to the fact that the one fertilized egg splits, have identical DNA. Fraternal twins, since they are from separate eggs, have different DNA.
The only way to definitively determine if twins are identical or fraternal is through genetic testing. Identical twins share 100% of their DNA, while fraternal twins share about 50% on average, just like regular siblings. Physical similarities alone are not enough to distinguish between the two types of twins.
Identical twins are more likely to occur from a single fertilized egg splitting into two embryos, resulting in genetic duplicates. Fraternal twins result from two separate eggs being fertilized by two different sperm cells. Identical twins are not influenced by genetics or family history, whereas fraternal twins can be influenced by both maternal and paternal genetics.
Identical twins are called monozygotic. Fraternal twins are called dizygotic.