10/12/2024
Indy 100 web portal reports that a discussion is taking place within the scientific community about the future of the Y chromosome in humans, which for us and other related species, determines the sex of a developing embryo. In an interesting and informative article written with science advocates, we learn that crucially, not all species determine sex designation genetically. Some reptile species use the ambient temperature. The Y chromosome and its functionality as a male determinant only evolved around one hundred and sixty six million years ago whereas sexual reproduction is believed to be at least nine hundred million years old. And there are species that have been studied who have lost their Y chromosomes completely and associated sex genes, but are still successful as a species. Genetics experts point out that much is still to be learned about genetic codes, sexual development, and the environment. Contrary to what certain anti-trans extremists might claim, sexual development varies widely across species and phenomenon such as hermaphroditism, complex arrangement of sex organs and changing sex are all a part of the rich diversity of the success story that is life on earth.
