secondary sexual character

views updated Jun 08 2018

secondary sexual character A characteristic of animals that differs between the two sexes, but excluding the gonads and the ducts and associated glands that convey the gametes. Examples are mammary glands, external genitalia, antlers in ungulates, and certain plumage patterns (e.g. peacock's tail) in birds.

secondary sexual character

views updated Jun 27 2018

secondary sexual character A characteristic of animals that differs between the two sexes, but excluding the gonads and the ducts and associated glands that convey the gametes. Examples are mammary glands, external genitalia, antlers in ungulates, and certain plumage patterns (e.g. peacock's tail) in birds.