What characterizes dizygotic twins?

Dizygotic twins, also known as fraternal twins, are characterized by their development from two separate ova, each fertilized by different sperm cells. This process results in two genetically unique individuals, as they inherit different combinations of genes from their parents. Unlike monozygotic twins, who originate from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos, dizygotic twins arise from independent fertilization events.

Since dizygotic twins develop from different ova, they will not be genetically identical, which distinguishes them from identical twins. Additionally, while dizygotic twins share the same number of chromosomes as any other individuals of the same species, the fact that they come from two different zygotes is what makes them fraternal rather than identical. This genetic diversity is a key aspect of their characterization.