Question

Presence of beard in boys is a ............

a. primary sex organ

b. secondary sexual character

c. secondary sex organ

d. primary sexual character​

Answer 1

Answer:

The presence of a beard in boys is a secondary sexual character.

Explanation:

On attaining puberty, both boys and girls start attaining sexual maturity by developing primary and secondary sexual organs/characters.

What are the primary sexual organs/characters?

The primary sexual organs are the testes in case of males and the ovaries in case of females. Both these organs are responsible for the development of male and female gametes respectively and also produce sex hormones (testosterone in males and oestrogen and progesterone in females). These hormones then help to develop the secondary sex organs and characters.

• In the case of males,
  The primary sexual characteristics are the penis and scrotum, which allow them to deliver sperms into the vaginal tract during copulation.
• In the case of females,
  The primary sexual characteristics are the vagina and uterus which helps them to bear the foetus.

What are the secondary sexual organs/characters?

The secondary sexual organs are those organs that are not directly associated with the reproductive ability of the organisms, but rather aid in the reproductive process.

• In the case of males,
  The secondary sex organs are the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and, bulbourethral gland (Cowper's gland). The secretion of these glands helps in the formation of spermatic fluid and lubrication during copulation.
• In the case of females,
  The secondary sec organs are the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina or vaginal tract, which accepts the sperms during copulation, and holds the developing embryo during the gestational period.

The secondary sexual characters are those characters that are not involved in reproduction but are developed during puberty due to the action of sex hormones and provide an aid for sexual dimorphism among the males and females of a species.

In the case of males, the secondary sexual characteristics are:

1. Development of a low-pitched voice
2. Development of a muscular body
3. Increased facial, chest, and, body hair
4. Development of pelvic musculature

In the case of females, the secondary sexual characteristics are:

1. Development of a low-pitched voice
2. Broadening of the pelvic cavity and thighs
3. Development of breasts (mammary glands)
4. Deposition of fat below the skin, hips and around the waist area

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