Homonym: Twin (Duplicate)
"Twin" refers to one of two offspring produced by the same pregnancy. Twins can be classified as either identical or fraternal. Identical twins, or monozygotic twins, develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos, sharing the same genetic material. Fraternal twins, or dizygotic twins, result from two separate eggs being fertilized by two different sperm cells, leading to siblings that may or may not share the same genetic traits.
The occurrence of twins can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, maternal age, and the number of previous pregnancies. In some cultures, twins are celebrated and may hold special significance. The study of twins, known as twin studies, is important in understanding genetics, development, and the influence of environment on behavior and health.