Reference no: EM13340214

Striking similarities have sometimes been found between twins who are reunited after years of separation. A recent talk show, for example, reunited a pair of identical twin brothers who had been separated at birth and raised by adoptive parents in different parts of the same state. Neither knew of the other's existence until a mutual acquaintance brought them together. Upon meeting for the first time each saw his own reflection. They had grown the same mustache and sideburns, and each wore the same glasses. As the brothers talked, they discovered they had more than looks in common. One went to college and graduated with a degree in forestry. The other planned to go to college to study the same subject but opted to work for the city trimming trees. Both worked for a time in supermarkets. Both men are bachelors attracted to similar women--"tall, slender, long hair." In addition to being volunteer firemen, they both share favorite pastimes of hunting, fishing, going to the beach, watching old John Wayne movies and pro wrestling, and eating Chinese food. Both were raised in the Jewish faith but neither is particularly religious. In becoming acquainted one observed, "We kept making the same remarks at the same time and using the same gestures. It was spooky. . . . He is he and I am I, and we are one." Despite their separation (of some 40 years), the twins seemed to share remarkable similarities in their personalities and lifestyles. Does this prove that nature plays a greater role in determining these characteristics than does environment? Why or why not? Be sure to support your points with evidence from the text.