Why Do Twins Skip a Generation? The Truth Behind the Myth
Do twins really skip a generation?
You've probably heard someone say, "Twins run in families, but they always skip a generation!" But is that actually true? Or is it just one of those family myths that gets passed down like an old recipe no one questions?
I was talking to my cousin Lisa the other day—her grandmother had twins, but no one in Lisa’s mom’s generation had any. Now, guess what? Lisa just found out she’s pregnant with twins. Coincidence? Or genetics at work? Let’s dig into the science behind this fascinating phenomenon.
1. The difference between identical and fraternal twins
First, it’s important to understand that not all twins are the same. There are two types:
Identical twins (monozygotic)
- Happen randomly, when a single fertilized egg splits into two.
- No genetic influence—it’s pure luck!
- Do not run in families and therefore do not "skip" generations.
Fraternal twins (dizygotic)
- Occur when a woman releases two eggs instead of one, and both get fertilized.
- Runs in families because of a genetic tendency to release multiple eggs.
- This is where the "skipping a generation" idea comes from.
So, if identical twins are random, then we’re really only talking about fraternal twins when discussing inheritance.
2. Why does it seem like twins skip a generation?
Here’s where it gets interesting. The genetic trait that increases the chance of twins is passed down through women—but men can carry and pass on the gene without directly having twins themselves.
How the twin gene works
If a woman inherits the twin gene, she may release multiple eggs and have fraternal twins.
If a man inherits the twin gene, he can pass it to his daughters—but he won’t have twins himself.
That’s why it looks like twins skip a generation:
Grandmother has twins → Son does not → Granddaughter has twins.
It’s not really skipping—it’s just waiting for the gene to land in a woman again!
3. Can men influence twins at all?
Actually… no. A man’s sperm determines the gender of the baby, but not whether the woman will release multiple eggs.
But—and this is fun—if a man carries the "hyperovulation gene" (which makes women release more eggs), his daughters could be more likely to have twins.
So, if your dad’s mom had twins, your chances of having twins might be higher.
4. Other factors that increase the chances of twins
Even if genetics aren’t in your favor, there are other things that can make twins more likely:
Age: Women over 35 are more likely to have twins.
Fertility treatments: IVF increases the odds.
Diet: Some studies suggest that diets high in dairy or yams may help (weird, right?).
Height & weight: Taller, bigger women have slightly higher chances of twins.
5. Conclusion: Do twins really skip a generation?
It’s a myth—but with a grain of truth.
Fraternal twins run in families, but only through the mother’s side.
Men can pass the twin gene to their daughters, making it seem like twins skip a generation.
Identical twins? Totally random.
So, if you’re hoping for twins, check your family tree—but don’t bet everything on the skipping-a-generation theory. Genetics (and a little luck) will decide!
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.