When the "Jim twins," identical twins separated at birth, were reunited 38 years later, surprising similarities were discovered. Although they had married women of the same name, named their sons and dogs the same names, one should be cautious before attributing these similarities to genetic factors because

most twin studies have not been replicated.

the Jim twins were raised in completely different environments.

many fraternal twins show greater psychological differences.

any two strangers are likely to share coincidental similarities.

genes influence physical not psychological characteristics.

Question

Social Studies

Nyla Hampton

13 July, 02:38

When the "Jim twins," identical twins separated at birth, were reunited 38 years later, surprising similarities were discovered. Although they had married women of the same name, named their sons and dogs the same names, one should be cautious before attributing these similarities to genetic factors because

most twin studies have not been replicated.

the Jim twins were raised in completely different environments.

many fraternal twins show greater psychological differences.

any two strangers are likely to share coincidental similarities.

genes influence physical not psychological characteristics.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Victor Randolph · Answer 1

The correct answer is: any two strangers are likely to share coincidental similarities.

Explanation:

There have been few studies with identical twins separated at birth to qualify the results as universal assumptions. Also, in the field of genetics, there are still a lot of gray areas to be discovered. On one hand, we know genetics influences physical traits, specific mutations or diseases, but it is not known exactly how it affects psychological traits since the environment has a great influence on them. That is why one must be careful when making assumptions about genetic similarities. There are many factors involved in the making of one's personality and sense of self, making it hard to isolate specific traits as a direct result of a specific factor. The simpler assumption is that is more likely that the twins coincidently share similarities, than a mutual genetic feature that lead them to make such specific decisions.