In a few reptiles, the ________ at which fertilized eggs are kept determines the sex of offspring.TemperaturePressurePlaceAll

In a few reptiles, the temperature at which fertilized eggs are kept determines the sex of offspring. This phenomenon is known as temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), which is particularly observed in species like certain turtles and crocodilians.

In environments where temperature plays a critical role, the incubation temperature can influence the ratio of male and female offspring. For example, in some turtle species, warmer incubation temperatures may lead to a higher ratio of females, while cooler temperatures may favor males. This adaptive mechanism has implications not just for individual species but also for population dynamics, especially in the context of climate change.

As global temperatures fluctuate, the potential for skewed sex ratios could hinder reproduction and survival of these species, making the understanding of such biological processes essential for conservation efforts and species management.