Fraternal twins

Fraternal twins are a type of twins that are genetically different from each other. They are formed when two separate eggs are fertilized by two separate sperm. This is in contrast to identical twins, which are formed from a single fertilized egg that splits into two.

Formation

Fraternal twins are formed when two separate eggs are fertilized by two separate sperm. This can occur when a woman releases two eggs during her menstrual cycle, a process known as superovulation. The fertilized eggs then implant in the uterus and develop into two separate fetuses.

Genetics

Fraternal twins share about 50% of their genes, just like any other siblings. This is because they are formed from two separate eggs and sperm. This means that they can be of the same sex or different sexes, and they can look similar or different from each other.

Factors influencing the occurrence of fraternal twins

There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of having fraternal twins. These include:

• Age: Women over the age of 35 are more likely to have fraternal twins because they are more likely to release more than one egg during ovulation.
• Heredity: Having a family history of fraternal twins can increase the likelihood of having them.
• Race: Fraternal twins are more common in some races than others. For example, they are more common in African populations than in Asian or Hispanic populations.
• Fertility treatments: Treatments that stimulate ovulation can increase the likelihood of having fraternal twins.

See also

• Identical twins
• Superovulation
• Fertility treatments

Fraternal twins Resources
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