Question

“Some animals rely on environmental cues for sex determination.” Justify this statement giving an example.

Answer 1

Some animals do not have genetically determined sex; instead, their sex is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, social conditions, or population density. This phenomenon is called environmental sex determination.

Example: In reptiles like turtles and crocodiles, the temperature at which eggs are incubated determines the sex of the offspring.

• In some turtle species, low temperatures produce males, while high temperatures produce females.
• In crocodiles, moderate temperatures lead to females, while extreme temperatures (both high and low) lead to males.

This adaptation helps maintain a balanced population and ensures survival in changing environments.