2014-48931
BIO 1 WFW
According to the documentary, some scientists have hypothesized about female being
the first sex. As time went by, males came forth. But we never learn exactly when or how
independent male and female sexes originated. Somewhere along this evolutionary path,
both males and females were required in order to ensure the procreation that was necessary
to further the existence of a particular species.
The need for sexual reproduction (subtopic: Asexual and sexual reproduction)
The documentary posted the question as to why there is a need for a sexual
reproduction when there is an option for asexual reproduction. Moreover, it tackled how
nature could evolve a female member of a species that produces eggs and is internally
equipped to nourish a growing embryo, while at the same time evolving a male member that
produces motile sperm cells.
It was answered by the statement the meaning of life is making more life to
reproduce. Sexual reproduction results into the diversity of life in which genetics plays a
big part to the assortment of species here on earth.
Sex not defined upon conception (subtopic: Developmental and gene action, stem cells,
aging)
A rather interesting topic about the possible change in an individuals sexuality was
also tackled in the documentary. For instance, the sex of a certain species of gecko were
found out to be defined by the temperature in which the eggs were incubated (gender
dependency). Eggs that were incubated in 19.5 F became males, while eggs incubated at
78.8 F became females.
In addition, there were also cases of people suddenly exhibiting qualities of the other
sex at a later time in their lives. A girl suddenly having a male physique and growing facial
hair and a guy discovering that his body actually slowly turning into a womans.