Sex Reversal in Birds: Genetic and Hormonal Mechanisms

    January 2016 in “ Sexual Development ”
    Andrew T. Major, Craig A. Smith
    TLDR Both genetic and hormonal factors are crucial for bird sex differentiation, and disturbances can cause sex reversal.
    The document discussed how sexual differentiation in birds was controlled by genetic and hormonal mechanisms, with males having ZZ and females ZW sex chromosomes. It highlighted that while traditional views emphasized the role of sex steroid hormones in masculinizing or feminizing the body, recent studies on avian sex reversal indicated a significant role for direct genetic factors. The review focused on the importance of oestrogen and examined how studies on sex reversal and gynandromorphic birds were enhancing the understanding of sexual differentiation in birds and vertebrates. It concluded that both genetic and hormonal factors were crucial, and disturbances in either could lead to sex reversal.
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