gêmeos

Gêmeos is a Portuguese word that translates to "twins" in English. The term can refer to fraternal or identical twins, which are two offspring produced in the same pregnancy. Fraternal twins, also known as dizygotic twins, develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two separate sperm. They are genetically no more alike than ordinary siblings and can be of different sexes. Identical twins, or monozygotic twins, originate from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos. They share nearly identical genetic material and are therefore always of the same sex.

The birth of twins is a relatively uncommon event. The likelihood of having twins varies based on factors such as maternal age, genetics, and the use of fertility treatments. In many cultures, twins hold special significance, appearing in folklore, mythology, and religious stories. The study of twins is also important in scientific research, particularly in genetics and psychology, as it helps researchers understand the relative contributions of heredity and environment to various traits and behaviors.