Which of the following environmental factors plays an important role in deciding the sex of a developing organism in some animals?

Correct option is A

Sol: The correct answer is (a) Temperature

Key Points:

Temperature:

In some reptiles, such as certain species of turtles, crocodiles, and lizards, the environmental temperature during critical periods of egg incubation plays a significant role in determining the sex of the developing embryos. This phenomenon is known as Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination (TSD).

How it Works:

• High Temperatures: In some species, higher incubation temperatures may produce more females.

• Low Temperatures: In other species, lower incubation temperatures may produce more males.

• Pivotal Temperature: There is often a specific temperature range, known as the pivotal temperature, at which the ratio of males to females is balanced.

Examples:

• Turtles: Many species of turtles produce more females at higher temperatures and more males at lower temperatures.

• Crocodiles: Some crocodile species exhibit TSD, with different temperature ranges favoring the production of either males or females.