Sex characteristics
Sex characteristics are those characteristics that differentiate between male and female within a species. They are divided into two main types: primary sex characteristics, which are the reproductive organs and genitals that differentiate between male and female, and secondary sex characteristics, which emerge at puberty and further distinguish the two sexes.
Primary Sex Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Primary sex characteristics are those that are present at birth and are directly involved in reproduction. In humans, these include the ovaries in females and the testes in males. These organs produce gametes, or sex cells, that are necessary for sexual reproduction.
Secondary Sex Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Secondary sex characteristics are those that emerge during puberty and are not directly involved in reproduction. They serve to further distinguish between males and females. In humans, these include the development of breasts in females and the deepening of the voice in males. Other secondary sex characteristics include the growth of facial hair in males and the widening of the hips in females.
Sexual Dimorphism[edit | edit source]
Sexual dimorphism is the term used to describe the physical differences between males and females of the same species. These differences can include size, color, and the presence of certain physical features. In humans, sexual dimorphism is evident in the differences in body size and shape, facial features, and the distribution of body hair.
Intersex[edit | edit source]
Intersex is a term used to describe individuals who do not fit typical definitions of male or female. This can be due to variations in physical sex characteristics such as chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones, or genitals. Intersex individuals may have characteristics that are typically associated with both males and females, or they may have characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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