Re: Why is there a 5% difference in identical twin fingerprints?

There are a few possible answers. Most identical twins actually have the same fingerprints in terms of the actual pattern, like whorls or lines. And this is genetic. For all intents and purposes, identical twins have identical DNA. The actual truth is that even identical twins can have slight differences in their DNA. Changes in the DNA could occur after the fertilized egg splits. Any difference in DNA between identical twins is much, much less than any difference between unrelated people but depending on where the difference is, visible phenotypes, like different fingerprints, may result. It's more likely that environmental influences play more of a role. Depending on the positioning of the fetuses and the in utero experience, the folding/forming of the fingerprints may be different.