Primary sexual characteristics are the reproductive organs present at birth, such as testes and ovaries. They are essential for reproduction and distinguish male and female organisms. Secondary sexual characteristics develop later and are different from primary ones.
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Primary sexual characteristics are the body structures directly involved in reproduction. These include essential organs and structures that are present from birth and are necessary for the reproductive process.
In humans, for males, a primary sexual characteristic would be the presence of the testes, which produce sperm cells and play a crucial role in the male reproductive system. In females, a primary sexual characteristic would be the ovaries, which produce eggs and are vital for female reproduction.
These features are distinct from secondary sexual characteristics, which develop during puberty and include traits such as facial hair in males and breast development in females. Primary sexual characteristics are fundamental for reproductive capability as they relate directly to the production and transport of gametes (sperm and eggs) necessary for conception.