Heterogametic

=Heterogametic=

In the inheritance of sex, the **heterogametic sex** is the sex of a species in which the sex chromosomes are different. It can distinguished from the homogametic sex. The term is derived from the fact that a heterogametic individual can produce two different types of gamete (with respect to sex).

In humans, males are the heterogametic sex with the sexual genotype XY (see the XY sex determination system). Conversely, in birds, females are the heterogametic sex with the sexual genotype WZ.