secondary sex character

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: A secondary sex character is a physical trait that differs between males and females of a species but is not directly involved in the reproductive system. These characteristics emerge during puberty under the influence of sex hormones and are often related to sexual maturity, attractiveness, or physical differentiation beyond the primary reproductive organs.

Examples
  • The development of facial hair in human males is a classic example of a secondary sex character.
  • In many bird species, the brightly colored plumage of the male is a secondary sex character used for display.
  • The widening of the hips in human females is considered a secondary sex character.
Advanced Usage
  • The term is often used in biological and anthropological studies to discuss sexual dimorphism and evolutionary adaptations.
  • In a clinical context, the delayed or absent development of secondary sex characters can indicate hormonal disorders.
Variants and Related Words
  • Secondary sexual characteristic: This is a fully synonymous and commonly used alternative term.
  • Primary sex character (or primary sexual characteristic): Refers to the reproductive organs themselves (e.g., testes, ovaries), which are directly involved in reproduction.
Synonyms
  • Secondary sexual characteristic
  • Sexual dimorphism trait (when referring to the trait itself that creates the difference)
Related Phrases
  • Development of secondary sex characteristics: The process during puberty when these traits appear.
    • The onset of puberty triggers the development of secondary sex characteristics.
Noun
  1. the genetically determined sex characteristics that are not functionally necessary for reproduction (pitch of the voice and body hair and musculature)

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