Why We Have Twins

By Elsevier, Special for  USDR

Twin Mythconceptions separates fact from fiction using the latest scientific findings from psychology, psychiatry, biology and  education

Exploring over 70 myths commonly held about identical and fraternal twins, Elsevier‘s new book by Dr. Nancy L. Segal separates fact from  fiction.

Twin Mythconceptions: False Beliefs, Fables, and Facts about Twins covers topics of twin telepathy, intellectual growth, marital relationships and sexual orientation, among other topics, by describing the myth, then providing a detailed “debunking” explanation. This informative and entertaining book is an invaluable resource for behavioral and life science researchers (particularly those in psychology and genetics), health professionals, twins, parents of twins and anyone interested in this fascinating  subject.

“Identical and fraternal twins offer an extraordinary combination of scientific significance and human interest,” says Dr. Segal. “Each pair is a unique take on how we become who we are, explaining why my fascination with twins has only grown stronger over the  years.”

Dr. Segal has identified the “Top 10” myths or beliefs about twins, which  include:

    • There is no scientific evidence that twins exchange thoughts or ideas by reading each other’s minds-identical twins’ social closeness is better explained by studies showing that their common genes underlie their within-pair communication skills.
  • Identical twins have identical fingerprints (False)
    • It is thought that the white yam contains fertility-inducing properties that trick the female body into releasing hormones that promote ovulation–this may partly explain the high fraternal twinning rate among the Yorùbá of western Nigeria.

Dr. Segal is currently Professor of Psychology at California State University, Fullerton and Director of the Twin Studies Center. She has authored more than 200 scientific articles and book chapters, as well as four highly acclaimed books on twins. Dr. Segal received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and literature from Boston University, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in the social sciences and behavioral sciences from the University of  Chicago.


Read Dr. Segal’s recent article on rare twins born to parents of different  ethnicity.


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SOURCE  Elsevier
