Child Development State Practice Test

Fraternal twins, also known as dizygotic twins, arise when two separate fertilized eggs develop in the womb simultaneously. Each twin has its own unique genetic makeup, as they are formed from different eggs and different sperm. This means that fraternal twins can be different sexes and may or may not share physical traits, similar to siblings born at different times. The genetic connection between fraternal twins is similar to that of ordinary siblings, with approximately 50% of their genes being shared. This differentiates them from identical twins, who originate from a single fertilized egg that splits into two, sharing 100% of their genetic material. Understanding the distinctions between these types helps clarify aspects of genetic inheritance and twin development in early childhood education and child development studies.