sexual dimorphism

noun

1. the condition in which the males and females in a species are morphologically different, as with many birds.

sexual dimorphism

noun

1. biology differences in appearance between the males and females of a species

Other Words From

• sexually dimorphic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexual dimorphism¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Differences in cancer incidence and progression between men and women have been known for decades, but a detailed understanding of sexual dimorphism in relation to cancer biology is still limited.

From Science Daily

The main groups in which the phenomenon has been recorded include animal species which feature strong sexual dimorphism; most often insects, especially butterflies, crustaceans, spiders, even lizards and rodents.

From Science Daily

“They have found that Rosetta stone fossil that allows us to really confirm these theories about sexual dimorphism,” Bicknell says.

From Scientific American

“Hippopotamuses do not have what is called obvious sexual dimorphism, it is difficult to know if an animal is male … the genitals are internal,” Cadena said.

From Seattle Times

Another uniquely human vocal trait: sexual dimorphism.

From New York Times