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Read this article to learn about the importance of genes in inheritance.
Monozygotic or identical twins contain the same genetic material — DNA or genes. Studies conducted on identical twins make starting revelations with regard to inheritance.
One such study is described here. Oskar Stohr and Jack Yufe were identical twins separated at birth. Oskar was taken to Germany where he was brought up by his grandmother as a Christian. Jack was raised by his father in Israel as a Jew. The two brothers were reunited at the age of 47.
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Despite the different environmental influences, their behavioural patterns and personalities were remarkably similar:
i. Both men had moustaches, wore two pocket shirts, and wire-rimmed glasses.
ii. Both loved spicy foods and tended to fall asleep in front of television.
iii. Both flushed the toilet before using.
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iv. Both read magazines from back to front.
v. Both stored rubber bands on their wrists.
vi. Both liked to sneeze in a room of strangers.
Besides Oskar and Jack, many other studies conducted on identical twins point out the importance of genes on the inherited characters related to personality and mannerisms.
