Question

When male and female gametes are morphologically distinct, the condition is known as:

• A. Homogametes
• B. Heterogametes
• C. Hermaphrodites
• D. Sexual Dimorphism

Hint:

Heterogamy promotes genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

When male and female gametes are morphologically distinct, the condition is known as Heterogametes.

(A) Homogametes - Incorrect: This refers to morphologically similar gametes (isogametes).

(B) Heterogametes - Correct: Describes distinct gametes (sperm and egg in most animals).

(C) Hermaphrodites - Incorrect: Refers to organisms producing both gamete types, not their morphology.

(D) Sexual Dimorphism - Incorrect: Describes physical differences between sexes, not gametes.

The correct answer is (B) Heterogametes, exemplified by human sperm (small, motile) and egg (large, non-motile).

Answer 2

Heterogametes refer to gametes that are morphologically distinct. In most animals, the male gamete is smaller (sperm), and the female gamete is larger (egg). This is a characteristic feature of heterogametes.

Homogametes would be the term used if the male and female gametes were identical in appearance, but this is rare in nature.

Sexual dimorphism refers to the physical differences between male and female organisms, not the differences between gametes.

Option (B) is correct as it correctly describes the condition when male and female gametes are morphologically distinct, termed heterogametes.