Synonyms
Definition
Complex of differences in body size (sexual size dimorphism, SSD), shape, traits, color, and parasitic load between males and females of the same species.
Introduction
Sexual dimorphism has been the subject of wonder and scientific studies for centuries, being present in most animal species since prehistoric times. According to Aristotle (fourth century BC), differences in the semen temperature at the time of copulation resulted in sexual dimorphism, with hot semen generating males and cold semen generating females. In the Historia Animalium(IV, 11), Aristotle reported that in all the species where differences between males and females occur, nature has clearly differentiated the character of females from that of males. Aristotle claimed that females are less muscular, have less sturdy joints and finer hair, moist flesh, thinner legs, and more delicate feet with respect to males, and their voice is higher-pitched. As to...
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References
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Mori, E., Mazza, G., Lovari, S. (2017). Sexual Dimorphism. In: Vonk, J., Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_433-1
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