Shellfish Breeding and Hatchery Management (2+1)

8.1.1 Significance of learning secondary sexual characters

Study of secondary sexual characters is of much importance, as it not only helps to differentiate between the sexes of a species; it also helps to differentiate mature ones from immature or at different stages of maturity.

According to some evolutionary biologists, the secondary sexual characters may help in understanding evolution and gradual changes in these characters, that may help in understanding the relationship between species.

The secondary sexual characters are important to the animals as they assist in reproduction and help in identification or recognition of useful matter in natural or hatchery conditions.

Observations of the secondary sexual character is important for the clear understanding of natural reproduction so that captive reproduction technology can be developed.