Is Weinberg's method valid?

Abstract

Suppose that L like-sexed and U unlike-sexed twins have been observed. Weinberg's method estimates the numbers of DZ and MZ twins as DZ = 2U and MZ = L--U. This method is based on the assumptions that (1) the sex ratio in DZ twins is 1/2 and (2) the sexes of DZ twins are determined independently and with the same probability in all parents; in consequence there should, on average, be equal numbers of like-sexed and unlike-sexed DZ twins. The first assumption is not exactly true, but the necessary correction is negligible. Departures from the second assumption would probably lead to an excess of like-sexed over unlike-sexed DZ twins; in consequence, Weinberg's method would underestimate the numbers of DZ twins and overestimate the numbers of MZ twins. The literature on the frequencies of like-sexed and unlike-sexed pairs among twins known to be DZ through other genetic markers is reviewed. It is concluded that there is no evidence of an excess of like-sexed twins among them, and that there is therefore no reason to doubt the validity of Weinberg's method. The extension of Weinberg's method to estimate the zygosity types of triplets and quadruplets is described; it is shown that the resulting estimates agree well with the results of direct zygosity determination by blood grouping.