Identical twins and mirror twins are different, you know. What is the difference?

If all this time you are quite familiar with identical and non-identical twins, did you know that there are various other types of twins? Yes, two of them who are often considered the same are identical twins and mirror twins. In fact, these two types are clearly different, you know. In order to better understand how to tell the difference, consider the following information.

How do identical twins and mirror twins come about?

Each type of twins certainly has a different formation process. Likewise with identical twins and mirror twins.

Identical twins

The term identical twins actually comes from the process of forming a fetus while in the womb. These twins are called monozygotes, because they come from the same egg and one sperm. Supposedly, the fused cells develop into one zygote after fertilization.

However, in the case of identical twins, the fused egg and sperm actually divide to form two zygotes. These two zygotes, then grow and develop into two prospective babies.

Because identical twins are formed from the same egg and sperm, it is likely that they have genetic and physical characteristics that are so similar that they can sometimes be difficult to distinguish. That's why they are referred to as identical twins.

Mirror twins (mirror twins)

Mirror twins are a type of twins that are formed when one egg and one sperm are fused during the fertilization process. Just like the process of forming identical twins, the fused cells in these mirror twins will also divide into two individuals.

Only difference, the fertilization process in mirror twins occurs very slowly or not simultaneously. This process will take about nine to twelve days after conception.

Uniquely, during this time, twins who are developing in the womb will grow asymmetrically or upside down. In other words, twins of this type will look opposite each other as if in a mirror.

So, what are the clear differences between the two?

Indeed, it is quite difficult to distinguish which twins belong to the identical type and which are mirror twins. The reason is, the two types of twins really look alike and there is almost no difference. However, of course there are still special features that distinguish the two, such as:

Identical twins

Even though the genes possessed by identical twins are the same because they come from one egg and sperm, they are not exactly the same.

If you look closely, you will see a number of things that distinguish the two, even if only slightly, if not too obvious. Whether it's hair color, face shape, the location of the mole, and so on.

Reporting from the Verywell Family page, differences in identical twins may still be influenced by environmental factors.

Mirror twins (mirror twins)

Source: Daily Mail

As for mirror twins, as the name implies, the most visible sign is that the twins are like the image of a mirror reflected off each other. This is what distinguishes it from identical twins.

For example, one of the mirror twins has a dimple on the left cheek, then the sibling will definitely have a dimple on the right cheek. As another example, if the first sibling has a birthmark on the right hand, then the sibling must have a birthmark on the left hand.

This also applies in the habit of frequent movements. If one of the siblings is left-handed, usually the other siblings will be more normal in using their right hand.

In short this way, whatever the shape or placement of the arrangement of the limbs or any mark on the body, will appear opposite when the two mirror twins are faced each other. As if, they are a mirror reflection of his twin brother.

This condition is believed to occur because mirror twins' brain regions work in different ways. This means that the first child may be more dominant on the right side of the brain, while the twin is more dominant on the left. That is why, then both of them show different characteristics, but are contradicting each other.