Environmental sex determination is a process where the sex of an organism is influenced by environmental factors rather than genetic ones. This phenomenon is commonly observed in certain reptiles, such as turtles and crocodiles, where the temperature of the eggs during incubation can determine whether the offspring will be male or female. In addition to temperature, other environmental factors like pH levels and social interactions can also play a role in sex determination for some species. This adaptive strategy allows populations to respond to changing environmental conditions, potentially enhancing their survival and reproductive success.