Twin babies are called twins. There are two main types of twins: identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic).
Understanding Twin Types
Here's a breakdown of each type:
-
Identical Twins (Monozygotic):
- Develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two.
- Share nearly identical DNA.
- Always the same sex.
- May share a placenta, depending on when the egg splits.
-
Fraternal Twins (Dizygotic):
- Develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperm.
- Share no more DNA than regular siblings.
- Can be the same or different sexes.
- Always have separate placentas.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Identical Twins (Monozygotic) | Fraternal Twins (Dizygotic) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | One fertilized egg | Two separate fertilized eggs |
| Genetic Makeup | Nearly identical DNA | Similar DNA like siblings |
| Sex | Always the same sex | Same or different sex |
| Placenta | May share a placenta | Always have separate placentas |
In conclusion, whether they are identical or fraternal, twin babies are simply referred to as twins.
