- Published: October 3, 2022
- Updated: October 3, 2022
- University / College: Washington University in St. Louis
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 36
Primary and Secondary Sex Characteristics Introduction Living things are defined as either female or male except on rare occasions when both features appear in a single living organism. Primary sex characteristics are the physical sex organs that have a direct link to reproduction (Frayer, 2006). In most cases, these characteristics are present at birth Depending on the type of living organism however, such organs have different names. On the contrary, secondary sex characteristics refer to features that bring the difference between the two types of sexes but do not have a direct link in reproduction. They occur during the adolescence stage. However, their presence helps in initiating courtship and interaction.
Primary sex characteristics in male mammals (Hall: pp. 67).
Penis
Testes
Scrotum
Primary sex characteristics in female mammals
Ovaries
Vagina and the vaginal canal
Clitoris and clitoral hood
Uterus
cervix
Secondary sex characteristics in male mammals
An increase in body strength and muscles
An increase in penile size
An increase in stature
In humans, males grow facial hair, manes in lions, horns in goats, long bright feathers among the peacocks, bright colorations in most bird and fish species and tusks in male elephant seals among others (Judson, Olivia: pp. 105).
In humans, there is an increase in the Adam’s apple, which leads to a deepening in voice (Weininger: pp. 24)
Rough skin texture
Secondary sex characteristics in female mammals
Breast enlargement
Wide hips
More fat distribution in areas around the thighs, buttocks and hips as compared to other areas.
Tightening of the voice
Hyperextension in the elbows
Softening of the skin and hair
Lengthening of the shoulders (Morris: pp. 84)
Conclusion
Both the primary and secondary sex characteristics help in determining the gender roles in a society. In a way also, they influence behavior.
Work cited
Frayer DW. Sexual Dimorphism. ResearchGate, 2006. Web. 25 March 2014.
Hall Richard, H. Basics and primary Characteristics: Sexual Development. California: Pearson. 1998. Print
Judson, Olivia. Dr. Tatiana’s Sex Advice to All Creation: Definitive Guide to the Evolutionary Biology of Sex. London: Vintage. 2003. Print.
Morris Desmond. Manwatching: A Field Guide to Human Behavior. Columbia: Columbia University Press. Print.
Weininger Otto. Sex and Character. New York: Oxford Printing Press. 2005. Print
