Well, from what I know / figured out, the children's last names are given according to the power of the family. The Tamwoods (Piscary) were the strongest and most powerful line, so the firstborn (Ivy) became theirs. Next child in line goes to the other / next most powerful family, so Erica (since she's the secondborn to the same parents) became a Randall. With more kids - well, it'd probably be a combination of politics and whichever family lines were involved that decided their last name. It's not genetic, more to do with status.
If you'll forgive the anime-geek reference, it's a little like the Hyuuga Clan from Naruto. Firstborn = main family and most powerful, secondborn = branch family.
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Date: 2009-04-01 04:52 pm (UTC)If you'll forgive the anime-geek reference, it's a little like the Hyuuga Clan from Naruto. Firstborn = main family and most powerful, secondborn = branch family.