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Question
How does the haplodiploidy system differ from the XX–XY, XX–XO, and ZW–ZZ systems in determining sex?
Options
Haplodiploidy uses more sex chromosomes than other systems
Haplodiploidy uses ploidy level (haploid versus diploid) rather than sex chromosomes to determine sex
Haplodiploidy determines sex based on environmental temperature
Haplodiploidy is not a true sex determination system
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Solution
The haplodiploidy system, found in honeybees, ants, and wasps, is fundamentally different from the other three major systems because it does not use sex chromosomes at all. Instead, it determines sex based on ploidy level: haploid individuals (n) develop from unfertilized eggs and become males, while diploid individuals (2n) develop from fertilized eggs and become females. This makes it unique among recognized sex determination mechanisms.
