Question

What are the secondary sexual characters in male and female?

Answer 1

The secondary sexual characters in male and female are developed at the time of puberty. These character are developed under the influence of sex hormones which are secreted by gonads i.e. testes in males and ovaries in female. It is controlled by hypothalamus and pituitary.

Complete answer:
Secondary sexual characters appear at the time of puberty in humans and at sexual maturity in other animals. This characteristic is prominent and distinguishes the two sexes. They are not directly involved with the reproductive system. The secondary sexual characters give an individual fitness and help in attracting the other sex.

Secondary sexual characteristics in females: It is induced by the increased estrogen secretion. Few characters include

Enlarged breast and erection of nipples.
Growth of pubic and underarm hair.
Widening of hip and accumulation of fat in hips, thigh buttocks.
Labia minora, the vulva becomes more prominent and changes in colour due to higher estrogen level.

Secondary sexual characteristics in males: The increased secretion of testosterone from the testes induce the growth of secondary sexual character like-

Growth of hairs in underarm, abdomen, chest and pubic hair.
Growth of facial hairs.
Enlargement of larynx and deepening of voice.
Broadening of chest and shoulder and increase in height.
Increase in muscle mass and strength.

Note: Animals also develop secondary sexual characters in order to attract the female. For example horns seen in deer and antelopes, bright colouration of feathers in many male birds like peacocks. The secondary sexual characters phenotypically distinguish a male and female.