Why identical twins can be completely different.

AI Overview

Why Identical Twins Can Be So Different

Yes, identical twins can have different personalities because unique life experiences, random developmental variations (epigenetics), and distinct interactions with their environment shape them, even with the same DNA; these factors create different neural pathways, leading to individual character and behavior. While they share a genetic blueprint, their separate paths in the womb, social lives, and personal choices foster divergence, making it common for them to be distinct individuals with unique inner lives.

Why Personalities Differ

Environmental Factors (Nurture):

Each twin experiences the world differently, from in-utero stimuli to unique friendships and challenges, shaping their outlook and responses.

Epigenetic Changes: Even with identical DNA, tiny differences in gene expression (epigenetics) occur due to life events, diet, illnesses, and environmental exposures, creating variations in how genes function.

Random Variations:

Small, chance events early in life, even subtle brain wiring differences, can set off feedback loops that amplify personality traits over time.

Unique Experiences: One twin might be more active in the womb, or develop a different social circle, leading to distinct personalities as they grow.

Examples of Differences

One twin might be outgoing, while the other is more reserved.

They can have different interests, talents, and even opposite reactions to the same situations, like stress or social events.

In essence, identical twins are two separate people who start with the same genetic code but end up with different life stories, leading to distinct personalities, similar to any other siblings but with a unique genetic starting point.

ELI5: why do identical twins have difference personalities? - Reddit

Jan 11, 2019 — Because personality isn't genetic, at least not in the big picture. Physiologically, even in identical twins, there's ...

Reddit · r/explainlikeimfive

How Can Identical Twins Turn Out So Different? : Shots - Health News : NPR May 9, 2013 NPR Why do identical twins end up having such different lives? | Genetics | The Guardian Jun 1, 2013 The Guardian