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11 Photos of Identical Twins That’ll Make You Do a Double-Take

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Many identical twins get a lot of attention whenever they go anywhere together. After all, lots of folks love to see two people who look so much alike — and then find out the unique ways they differ from each other. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that these similar sibs are so much more than just their pretty, matching faces — and these vibrant, lively photos of identical twins are all the proof you need.

We’ve all seen pictures of identical twins showing the same facial expressions and mannerisms to complement their similar appearances. While these photos are certainly eye-catching, we have to say that we enjoy seeing both the siblings’ unique personalities shine through in less-orchestrated images. As we all know, no two people are exactly alike — and the same goes for identical twins.

The Definition of Identical Twins

As much as people love twins in general, a lot of folks aren’t exactly sure what it means to be an identical twin — and how it differs from being a fraternal twin. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one of the biggest differences between identical twins and fraternal twins actually begins in the womb: Fraternal twins come from two separate fertilized eggs, while identical twins come from a single fertilized egg.

After identical twins are born, they obviously don’t share an egg anymore, but they do share something else that’s incredibly important: the same DNA. Fraternal twins, however, do not. That’s why identical twins usually look so much more like each other than fraternal twins do. That said, it’s worth keeping in mind that not all identical twins necessarily look exactly alike after birth; factors such as their positions in the womb and their later life experiences can change their appearances. (And this is obviously the case for non-twin babies, too.) But even if you have trouble telling identical twins apart, the one thing you can count on is that every single twin has a unique personality and character to share with the world. And as you’ll see in the vibrant photos of identical twins below, they’re all more than happy to let their true selves shine through.

Scroll below to see some of the most beautiful photos of identical twins.

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