Why Do Identical Twins Have Different Fingerprints? Exploring the Factors Influencing Fingerprint Formation

KOMPAS.com – Identical twins occur when one egg, fertilized by one sperm, splits into two. As a result, identical twins have almost the same genome, are always the same sex, and have almost exactly the same physical characteristics.

However, identical twins still have different fingerprints. Why is that?

Fingerprint formation

Please note that genetics is not a big factor in fingerprint formation. While there is no doubt that genetics are also important in determining fingerprint patterns, there are other factors at play.

According to Simona Francese, forensic scientist and fingerprint expert at Sheffield Hallam University, different environmental factors in the womb also play a role in the development of fingerprints.

Also read: Causes of Conjoined Twins and Symptoms During Pregnancy

Things like umbilical cord length, position in the uterus, access to nutrition, blood pressure, and rate of finger growth can all influence fingerprints, which form in the 13th and 19th weeks of fetal development.

All of these factors can be different in identical twins, meaning that even though they have many things in common, their fingerprint patterns may be different.

Even outside the womb, environmental factors can still influence a person’s fingerprints.

Francese added that skin conditions, scars, burns and, in rare cases, medications can change fingerprint details permanently or temporarily.

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2023-10-20 12:00:00
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