Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination
Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination (TSD) is a phenomenon where the sex of an organism is determined by the temperature at which the eggs are incubated. This process is commonly observed in certain reptiles, such as turtles and crocodiles. For example, higher incubation temperatures may produce more females, while lower temperatures may result in more males.
TSD is significant in understanding how environmental factors can influence population dynamics and species survival. As climate change alters temperatures in natural habitats, it may impact the sex ratios of these species, potentially leading to challenges in reproduction and long-term viability of populations.