Sexual bimaturism
This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2015) |
Sexual bimaturism describes a difference in developmental timing between males and females of the same species. Sexual bimaturism can result in sexual dimorphism, but sexual dimorphism could also develop through differential rates of development. In many insects, the larval period of females is longer than that of males, and as a result of this extended growth period, these female insects are larger than their male conspecifics.[1] Male simian primates are generally larger than females of the same species due in part to extended growth periods.[2]
Bimaturism can refer to developmental differences within a sex related to
In humans, sexual bimaturism is evident in that males begin puberty later than females. This may be related to selection for later maturation in males in a polygynous mating system.[7]
References
- .
- .
- S2CID 85730045.
- ^ Askew, James. "Call of the Orangutan: An Ape Named James". Scientific American Blogs. Scientific American. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
- .
- PMID 10342462.
- ^ Barash, David. "Early Girls, Slow Boys". The Chronicle of Higher Education Brainstorm. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved 19 July 2015.