sexual dimorphism

American  

noun

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

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sexual dimorphism British  

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• sexually dimorphic adjective

Etymology

Origin of sexual dimorphism

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Indeed, scientists already know that chameleons in this family tend to have larger females and smaller males, which is called sexual dimorphism.

From National Geographic

Trying to link sex, sex chromosomes and sexual dimorphism is also useless for understanding other brain properties.

From Scientific American

In the previous article we looked at the anatomy, sexual dimorphism and diving behaviour of Mirounga, and I ended by speaking about the fact that surfacing elephant seals might – in part – explain some sea monster sightings.

From Scientific American

The crowned lemur displays sexual dimorphism, which means males and females have different colored fur.

From New York Times

The sexual dimorphism of the pelvis is inarguable.

From Time