heterogamety
/ˌhɛtəroʊˈɡæməti/
noun
- The condition in a species where one sex produces two different types of gametes (sex cells), usually determining the sex of offspring.
- In humans, heterogamety in males means they produce both X and Y sperm.
- Birds show female heterogamety, with females having ZW chromosomes.
- Understanding heterogamety helps explain how sex is determined in different animals.