What term describes a situation where males and females exhibit significant physical differences?

The term that accurately describes a situation where males and females exhibit significant physical differences is high sexual dimorphism. This concept refers to the observable differences in morphology, size, coloration, or other traits between the sexes of a species. In species exhibiting high sexual dimorphism, these differences can be striking, leading to distinct roles in reproduction or behavior, which can be beneficial for survival and mate selection.

For instance, in birds, males may have bright plumage to attract females, while females may have more subdued colors for camouflage. This contrast illustrates high sexual dimorphism, highlighting the pronounced differences between the sexes. Understanding this concept is essential in fields like evolutionary biology and ecology, as it provides insights into mating strategies, role specialization, and species adaptation.

Low sexual dimorphism, on the other hand, indicates that males and females are quite similar in physical appearance. Sexual differentiation relates to the process by which individuals develop into male or female phenotypes but does not inherently address the degree of physical difference. Gender bias pertains to social and cultural dimensions rather than biological ones.