The Twins Flashcard!

Front

What percent of twins make up their own language?

Back

40%

Answer explanation

Approximately 40% of twins develop their own language, often referred to as 'cryptophasia'. This phenomenon occurs when twins create unique communication methods, highlighting their close bond and shared experiences.

Front

True or False - Identical twins have matching finger prints

Back

False

Answer explanation

False! Identical twins share the same DNA, but their fingerprints are not identical. Fingerprints are influenced by environmental factors during development, leading to unique patterns even in genetically identical individuals.

Front

What is the average amount of time between delivering twins? (in minutes)

Back

17

Answer explanation

The average time between delivering twins is approximately 17 minutes. This reflects the typical interval between the births of the first and second twin.

Front

At what point in the pregnancy do twins start to reach out for one another?

Back

14 weeks

Answer explanation

Twins begin to reach out for one another around 14 weeks of pregnancy. This behavior indicates their developing coordination and interaction, which is a fascinating aspect of twin gestation.

Front

What is the best way to tell identical twins apart?

Back

Belly Button

Answer explanation

The best way to tell identical twins apart is by their belly buttons, as they can have different shapes or characteristics. Other methods are less reliable since they can be easily changed.

Front

Which country has the highest number of twins? Options: Nigeria, Canada, USA, China

Back

Nigeria

Answer explanation

Nigeria has the highest number of twins in the world, attributed to genetic factors and diet. In Igbo-Ora, there are around 50 twins per 1000 births compared to a global average of 12-15 per 1000 births.

Front

Which type of twins are more common? Fraternal twins, Identical twins, Mirror twins, Conjoined twins

Back

Fraternal twins

Answer explanation

Fraternal twins are more common than identical twins because they result from two separate eggs being fertilized by two different sperm. This occurrence is more frequent than the splitting of a single fertilized egg that leads to identical twins.

Front

At what stage of pregnancy can twins be detected via ultrasound?

Back

8 weeks

Answer explanation

Twins can typically be detected via ultrasound as early as 8 weeks into pregnancy. At this stage, the developing embryos can be visualized, confirming the presence of multiple gestations.

Front

Which factor increases the likelihood of having twins? Options: Age of the mother, Diet, Height, All of the above

Back

All of the above

Answer explanation

All of the factors listed—age of the mother, diet, and height—can influence the likelihood of having twins. Older mothers, certain diets, and taller women have been associated with higher chances of multiple births.

Front

Which hormone is often associated with an increased chance of conceiving twins? Options: Testosterone, Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Progesterone, Estrogen

Back

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Answer explanation

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the likelihood of conceiving twins. Higher levels of FSH can lead to the release of more than one egg during ovulation.