8.1 Chapter Objectives

In the following discussion of sex and gender, our goals are for you to realize that sex and gender are related, but distinct; and to understand that sex and gender are manifest in many ways, in an array of living organisms.  By the end of your reading and our in-class discussion, you will be able to:

1. Define the following terms:
   • sex
   • hermaphroditism
   • dioecy
   • gender
2. Describe differences between sex and gender.
3. Cite examples of the non-binary nature of gender in humans and non-human animals.
4. List factors that determine sex in a variety of organisms.
5. Describe the development of sex organs in humans.
6. Explain some evolutionary pros and cons of hermaphroditism and why it exists in some plants and animals.