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Sex Ratio

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Estimated time: 5 minutes
CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Sex Ratio

The proportion or ratio of males to females in a population is called sex ratio.

CISCE: Class 12

Factors Controlling Sex Determination

Beyond genetic factors, the sex of an organism in specific populations can be influenced or controlled by environmental variables:

  1. Temperature: Seen in reptiles (e.g., in certain turtles and crocodiles, incubation temperature of eggs determines the sex of the offspring).
  2. Photoperiod: The duration of daily light exposure.
  3. Chemical Factors: Availability of specific minerals and plant growth substances/hormones in certain species.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Sex Ratio

  • Sex ratio is a defining population attribute that represents the proportion of males to females, whereas an individual organism possesses a specific biological sex.
  • In various species, the sex ratio is dynamic and shifts automatically in response to changes in population density to optimize survival.
  • Environmental variables can override or dictate genetic sex determination, with temperature regulating the incubation outcome and offspring sex in reptiles like turtles and crocodiles.
  • Photoperiod, mineral availability, and specific plant growth hormones serve as critical external regulators controlling sex expression in certain organismal populations.
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