Secondary sexual characteristic definitions
| Word backwards | yradnoces lauxes citsiretcarahc |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | sec-on-dar-y sex-u-al char-ac-ter-is-tic |
| Plural | secondary sexual characteristics |
| Total letters | 29 |
| Vogais (5) | e,o,a,u,i |
| Consonants (10) | s,c,n,d,r,y,x,l,h,t |
Secondary sexual characteristics are traits that develop during puberty and help distinguish between males and females within a species. These characteristics are not directly involved in the reproductive process but play a significant role in attracting a mate and competing for one.
Examples of Secondary Sexual Characteristics
Examples of secondary sexual characteristics in humans include the development of breasts in females, deepening of the voice in males, growth of facial hair in males, and widening of hips in females. These traits typically emerge during adolescence as a result of hormonal changes.
Importance in Sexual Selection
Secondary sexual characteristics play a crucial role in sexual selection, where individuals with specific traits are more likely to attract a mate. For example, peacocks have elaborate tail feathers, which serve as secondary sexual characteristics that attract peahens. In humans, secondary sexual characteristics can also indicate health and fertility, making individuals more desirable as potential partners.
Role of Hormones
Hormones such as testosterone and estrogen play a significant role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Testosterone is responsible for the development of male characteristics such as facial hair and deepening of the voice, while estrogen is responsible for the development of female characteristics such as breast growth and widening of hips.
Sexual dimorphism, which refers to the physical differences between males and females of a species, is often influenced by secondary sexual characteristics. These differences can vary widely between species, depending on their mating behaviors and reproductive strategies.
Overall, secondary sexual characteristics are essential for sexual selection, mate attraction, and the continuation of species through reproduction. They contribute to the diversity and complexity of life on Earth, highlighting the fascinating ways in which evolution has shaped the biology of different organisms.
Secondary sexual characteristic Examples
- The development of facial hair is a secondary sexual characteristic in males.
- The pitch of a person's voice can be considered a secondary sexual characteristic.
- Breast development is one of the primary secondary sexual characteristics in females.
- The widening of the hips is another secondary sexual characteristic in women.
- Muscle mass increase can be a secondary sexual characteristic in males.
- The distribution of body fat is a secondary sexual characteristic that differs between genders.
- The prominence of the Adam's apple is considered a secondary sexual characteristic in males.
- The growth of facial hair is a secondary sexual characteristic that often develops during puberty.
- The development of a deeper voice is a secondary sexual characteristic in males.
- The changes in body odor can be classified as secondary sexual characteristics.