Read the text and answer the questions. Write T or F at the end of each question/ statement.
For many animals in the wild, it is immediately clear whether the animal is male or female. Dimorphism is the term to describe all the differences between males and females of the same species. The physical differences are the easiest to see. These differences may be in size, color, or body structure. For example, the following are a few species with obvious differences. The fearsome male lion has a thick mane of hair around his head. The female lion does not. The male African elephant has large, threatening tusks of ivory. The female does not. Masculine deer and elk have large antlers, while feminine deer and elk do not. Also, in many species, the male is larger than the female, although there are a few exceptions.
There are many reasons for dimorphism (different appearance) in animals. For example, among birds, males are often more brightly colored and flashy. On the other hand, female birds are often smaller and plainer. This offers protection to the females when they are guarding their nests. They are not noticeable to predators.
Some differences allow different genders to get along with each other and live together harmoniously. For example, the male hummingbird and the female hummingbird have beaks of different lengths. This ensures that they do not have to compete with each other for food. They can only drink from different kinds of flowers. The same is true for some species of larger birds, like eagles. The female eagle has a larger beak, so she can eat larger prey, such as rabbits, or large fish. The male, with his smaller beak, can only eat smaller prey.
So in the animal world, at least, differences serve a very important purpose. They help species to survive and thrive.
Male elephants do not have tusks, but female elephants do.
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