Sexual dimorphism
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism (pronunciation: /ˈsɛkʃuəl daɪˈmɔːrfɪzəm/) is a term used in biology and ecology to describe the differences in appearance between males and females of the same species. These differences can include size, color, and shape, among other physical traits.
Etymology
The term "sexual dimorphism" is derived from the Greek words "di," meaning "two," and "morph," meaning "form." It refers to the two distinct forms that a species can take based on its sex.
Related Terms
- Monomorphism: A term used to describe species in which males and females look alike.
- Polymorphism (biology): A term used to describe species that have more than two distinct forms.
- Sexual selection: A concept in evolutionary biology that explains how sexual dimorphism can arise due to the different reproductive pressures faced by males and females.
- Secondary sexual characteristics: Traits that are not directly involved in reproduction but distinguish between the sexes, such as the mane of a lion or the feathers of a peacock.
Examples
Sexual dimorphism is common in many species. For example, in many bird species, males are often larger and have more colorful plumage than females. In some mammal species, males are typically larger and stronger than females. In some insect species, females are larger than males.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sexual dimorphism
- Wikipedia's article - Sexual dimorphism
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