• Question: Why do identical twins have different finger prints?

    Asked by Ezzy to Stef, Hugh, Guido, Ed, Dave on 16 Mar 2015.
    • Photo: Guido Bolognesi

      Guido Bolognesi answered on 16 Mar 2015:

      I am not an expert of this field, but I am not expecting them to have the same finger prints. Some twins even look different one from the other, so it is not too surprising they have different finger prints as well. What do you think about it?

    • Photo: Dave Bond

      Dave Bond answered on 16 Mar 2015:

      Identical twins happen when the egg (zygote) splits and forms two embryos. So as they have exactly the same genetic information then they are perfect copies of each other, or so you would think….

      Fingerprints are not entirely a genetic characteristic. They are a part of a ‘phenotype’ which means they are determined by the interaction of an individual’s genes and the intrauterine environment (differing hormonal levels, nutrition, blood pressure, position in the womb and the growth rate of the fingers at the end of the first trimester).

      Minor differences in fingerprints arise from random local events during fetal development. The genes determine the general characteristics of the patterns of fingerprints. However, inside the uterus, finger tissue comes in contact with the amniotic fluid, other parts of the fetus and the uterus.

      Overall, identical twins’ fingerprints tend to be similar, but there always will be subtle differences making even their fingerprints unique.

    • Photo: Mariastefania De Vido

      Mariastefania De Vido answered on 16 Mar 2015:

      Nice answer Dave!

    • Photo: Ed Rial

      Ed Rial answered on 16 Mar 2015:

      We’re all learning tonight!

    • Photo: Hugh Harvey

      Hugh Harvey answered on 19 Mar 2015:

      Yes, Dave is correct!

      Did you know that koala bears have fingerprints like humans, and their prints have sometimes been confused for human fingerprints at the scene of a crime!

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