Related Experiment Videos

The sex ratio of Japanese twins

Human Heredity
|January 1, 1983
PubMed

Insights

The sex ratio in Japanese multiple births may be biased, with evidence suggesting this bias decreased before 1974. This supports the theory of a lower sex ratio in monozygotic twins.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Human genetics
  • Demography

Background:

  • Previous research suggested a potential bias in sex ratios for multiple births in Japan.
  • The sex ratio of monozygotic twins has been hypothesized to be lower than expected.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze Japanese multiple birth data to assess trends in sex ratio bias.
  • To determine if observed trends support the hypothesis of a low sex ratio in monozygotic twins.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of previously published Japanese multiple birth registration data (Imaizumi, 1982a, b).
  • Examination of sex ratio trends over two decades preceding 1974.

Main Results:

  • Data from Imaizumi (1982a, b) are consistent with a diminishing bias in sex ratios of multiple births registered in Japan.
  • This trend occurred during the two decades leading up to 1974.

Conclusions:

  • The observed diminishing bias in multiple birth sex ratios provides supporting evidence for the hypothesis.
  • The sex ratio of monozygotic twins is likely lower than typically reported.

Related Concept Videos