5 Examples of Animal Sexual Dimorphism From Mandrills to African Lions

The male and female animals in the same species can differ in size, color and appearance. It helps experts to identify and monitor them in the animal kingdom quickly.

Animals underwent different evolutionary paths, resulting in various forms and shapes.

The sexual dimorphism identifies the difference in appearance in the animal kingdom. It also shows the morphology and behavior of species in the wild. Unlike humans, animals have unique sexual dimorphism that people can see today.

In this report, NWN will show five examples of sexual dimorphism in animals, among African lions, mandrills, pheasants, elephant seals, and Mandarin ducks.

The African Lions

(Photo : by RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty Images)
A photo of an adult lion and lioness. Do you wonder why animals have different appearances? Sexual dimorphism explains the unique differences in looks, sizes, and behavior of animals. The male lion can be recognizable with the mane on their neck. The female lion protects the cubs and trains them to hunt.

African lions are formidable predators in the animal kingdom. The animal shows a unique sexual dimorphism, showing a different physiology in looks. The male and female are very different in behavior and appearance.

The female lion is smaller than the male one. The male lion can weigh up to 570 pounds, while the lioness can reach 400 pounds.

In addition, the male lion can be recognizable with the mane on their neck. Meanwhile, the female lion protects the cubs and trains them to hunt.

Unique Mandrills

The Mandrills are colorful and intelligent animals. They have long arms that are used to travel in trees and escape potential prey. In terms of appearance, the male Mandrills are more colorful and bright than the female. It helps them attract a potential partner.

Furthermore, the male mandrills are larger than the females. Adult male mandrills can reach up to 55 pounds, while the female is 25 pounds.

Mandarin Ducks

The Mandarin Ducks are magnificent animals that roam around lakes. Most female and male Mandarin Ducks are found together in water, symbolizing love.

The male Mandarin Ducks are more colorful than the females. They have unique red bill and golden orange wings. The female can likely grow larger.

Elephant Seals

The species of Elephant seals are considered the second largest seal. The male has a recognizable large nose. The male elephant seals weigh up to 5,000 pounds, while the female can reach 800 pounds.

The animal can reach 13 to 19 years in life span. The species has suffered from vessel strikes, fishing gear entanglement and water pollution. They can migrate or travel up to 13,000 miles.

Also Read: Can Chicken Help Environment? Animal Produces Smallest Carbon Footprint Than Meat

Pheasants

Last on the list is the pheasant. They are known for their bright color feathers, thriving in wetlands and grasslands. They feed on the following

Seeds
Insects
Berries
Leaves

In weight, the male pheasants can reach from two to three pounds, and the female has an average of two pounds. The male pheasants can appear more colorful.