Abstract
The heterogametic sex (X or Y chromosome) is male in mammals, female in birds and in those reptiles examined so far, while in fish and amphibia both systems are found (Mittwoch 1971). Sex chromosome differences between the sexes are the presence or absence of a Y chromosome and the number of X chromosomes. An interesting theory states that different chromosome constitutions have a direct effect on rates of cell proliferation (Mittwoch 1970). Embryonically this theory applies to gonadal development; the gonadal rudiment is bipotential until the rate of growth at a certain stage of development influences its outcome. If a Y chromosome is present the dominant gonad develops (testis in mammals and ovary in birds). In the absence of a Y chromosome, the less dominant gonad develops in the homogametic sex. The cell proliferation theory is not, however, entirely adequate to explain the larger size of men and the superiority in number of gametes. What really sets aside men from women is their heterogametic nature.
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Ericsson, R.J., Dmowski, W.P., Broer, K.H., Gasser, G. (1980). Separation of X and Y Spermatozoa for Sex Preselection. In: Emperaire, J.C., Audebert, A., Hafez, E.S.E. (eds) Homologous Artificial Insemination (AIH). Clinics in Andrology, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8817-0_9
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