Sexual dimorphism refers to differences in what between males and females?

Sexual dimorphism refers to differences in what between males and females?

• A. Genetics
• B. Size or appearance
• C. Metabolic rates
• D. Blood types

Answer: (B)

Sexual dimorphism is about observable differences between males and females in physical form, especially in size and appearance. This is why the best answer is “size or appearance”—traits like overall body size, body proportions, and secondary sexual characteristics reflect how males and females can look different due to hormonal and reproductive factors. Genetics underlie these differences, but the term itself refers to the outward, phenotypic distinctions, not the genetic makeup alone. Metabolic rates or blood types can vary for many reasons and are not defining features of sexual dimorphism.

Sexual dimorphism is about observable differences between males and females in physical form, especially in size and appearance. This is why the best answer is “size or appearance”—traits like overall body size, body proportions, and secondary sexual characteristics reflect how males and females can look different due to hormonal and reproductive factors. Genetics underlie these differences, but the term itself refers to the outward, phenotypic distinctions, not the genetic makeup alone. Metabolic rates or blood types can vary for many reasons and are not defining features of sexual dimorphism.