answersLogoWhite

0

Secondary sex characteristic

A peacock displays his long, colored feathers, an example of his secondary sex characteristics.

Secondary sex characteristics are features that distinguish the two sexes of a species, but that are not directly part of the reproductive system. They are believed to be the product of sexual selection for traits which give an individual an advantage over its rivals in courtship and aggressive interactions.[citation needed] They are distinguished from the primary sex characteristics-- the sex organs-- which are directly necessary for reproduction to occur.

Well-known secondary sex characteristics include manes of male lions and long feathers of male peacocks. Other dramatic examples include the tusks of male Narwhals, enlarged proboscises in male elephant seals and proboscis monkeys, the bright facial and rump coloration of male mandrills, and horns in many goats and antelopes. Male birds and fish of many species have brighter coloration or other external ornaments. Differences in size between sexes are also considered secondary sexual characteristics.

In humans, visible secondary sex characteristics include enlarged breasts of females and facial hair and adam's apple on males.

ShowEvolutionary roots

ShowIn humans

ShowSee also

ShowNotes

ShowReferences

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Biology

What is Secondary sex characteristics?

The primary sex characteristics are the genitalia. The secondary sex characteristics are those typical of males or females. Breasts, body shape, Adam's apple, voice pitch, hair growth, etc. are secondary sex characteristics.


Hormone drive development of secondary sex characteristics?

Hormones such as testosterone and estrogen drive the development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty. These hormones are responsible for physical changes like breast development and facial hair growth, which differentiate males and females.


What is the maturation of physical characteristics and reproductive organs?

The maturation of physical characteristics and reproductive organs is known as puberty. This period marks the transformation from childhood to adulthood, characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development in females and facial hair growth in males, as well as the ability to reproduce. Hormonal changes trigger these developments in both males and females.


Which structures secrete hormones that regulate the development of secondary sex characteristics?

The structures that secrete hormones regulating the development of secondary sex characteristics are the gonads; the ovaries in females produce estrogen and progesterone, while the testes in males produce testosterone. These hormones are responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics such as breast development, body hair growth, and voice deepening.


What Gene difference between human males and females?

One of the key genetic differences between human males and females is the presence of sex chromosomes. Males typically have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), while females have two X chromosomes (XX). This difference in sex chromosomes leads to differences in the expression of certain genes related to sex determination and secondary sexual characteristics.

Related Questions

What is Secondary sex characteristics?

The primary sex characteristics are the genitalia. The secondary sex characteristics are those typical of males or females. Breasts, body shape, Adam's apple, voice pitch, hair growth, etc. are secondary sex characteristics.


A hormone involved in secondary sex characteristics in males?

Testosterone


What is the hormone that causes secondary characteristics in males?

Testosterone, the male hormone.


What hormones is responsible for both primary and secondary sex characteristics in males?

Testosterone


What is the secondary sexual characteristics of the human?

In humans, visible secondary sex characteristics include enlarged breasts of females and facial hair and adam's apple on males.


What are some secondary male sex characteristics?

They are sometimes as interested in other males as in females....


What are Secondary male characteristics?

Secondary sex characteristics of males include:deeper voicebody hair on the chest, etc.Narrow hips relative to the width of the shouldersGreater upper body strength (but all males are not stronger than all females!)male pattern baldness


What is a function of testostrone?

Testostrone is a hormone that causes secondary sex characteristics in males and sperm production.


What secondary sex characteristic does testosterone produces in males?

Testosterone produces a deep voice and facial hair in males.


What are the secondary physical characteristics?

Secondary physical characteristics are physical traits that develop during puberty, such as facial hair in males, breast development in females, and changes in body shape. These characteristics are typically related to sexual maturation and differentiation between genders.


What does testosterone produce that influences primary and secondary sex characteristics in males?

Testosterone is responsible for producing and maintaining primary sex characteristics in males such as the development of the testes and production of sperm. It also influences the development of secondary sex characteristics like facial and body hair, deepening of the voice, and muscle mass.


Why people people shouldn't have facial hair?

Facial hair is really a secondary characteristics of males in response to the male hormone testosterone.