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Organisms of many species are specialized into male and female varieties, each known as a sex, with some falling in between being intersex. Sexual reproduction involves the combining and mixing of genetic traits: specialized cells known as gametes combine to form offspring that inherit traits from each parent. Gametes can be identical in form and function (known as isogamy), but in many cases an asymmetry has evolved such that two sex-specific types of gametes (heterogametes) exist (known as anisogamy).
Among humans and other mammals, males typically carry XY chromosomes, whereas females typically carry XX chromosomes, which are a part of the XY sex-determination system. Other animals have a sex-determination system as well, such as the ZW sex-determination system in birds, and the X0 sex-determination system in insects.
The gametes produced by an organism are determined by its sex: males produce male gametes (spermatozoa, or sperm, in animals; pollen in plants) while females produce female gametes (ova, or egg cells); individual organisms which produce both male and female gametes are termed hermaphroditic. Frequently, physical differences are associated with the different sexes of an organism; these sexual dimorphisms can reflect the different reproductive pressures the sexes experience. For instance, mate choice and sexual selection can accelerate the evolution of physical differences between the sexes.

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    VIC Age of consent and issues around phone/cyber-sex across international borders

    I want to know under what circumstances it's illegal to engage in text-messaging discussing sexual activity, or phonesex with people overseas, if they already at the relevant age of consent in Australia. Is it illegal under Australian law even if the other person is of age of consent here, but...
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    QLD Is it legal to have sex with my 16 year old girlfriend if i am 19?

    It says in the legislation that age of consent is 16 but is that only for those under 18 or can a 16 year old consent with 19 year olds as well? Shes definitely 16. If you're a lawyer any help is appreciated or we could just wait until she gets older im in Queensland by the way.
  3. P

    VIC filipina girl imported for sex trade and no way to report anonymously

    Perhaps someone can advise: A filipina girl entered Australia today to be with a guy who clearly is involved in trafficking. She is desperate to get out of Philippines and has formed several relationships with foreign men from a variety of countries at the same time, always asking them for...
  4. S

    NSW Catholic church sex abuse

    In 2005 I was under lawyers the church was not to contact me.They harrased me to the point I signed for 50,000 cut a long story short they got away with it my lawyers got a 105.000 gag payoff in 2016 the brother that raped me from age 12 for 2 years confessed to 22 charges of r**e of a child at...
  5. P

    SA Non solicited sex on premises

    Good day, please shed some light. Would it be criminal to have a facility/ premises that supports and condone non solicited acts of intercourse and promiscuity? Provided it is a secluded, discreet venue, with no view from outside, such as for the swinging community.
  6. E

    VIC Separated from Alcoholic Husband with Legal Aid - Help?

    Hey, I’m wanting some help, please. I separated from my husband in Nov 2018 (married since 2005) with my 12-year-old son & moved interstate to be with family for support. Ex is an alcoholic & I could no longer put up with the emotional & mental abuse towards myself & my son. Ex also has a sex...
  7. J

    VIC Australian Law - Getting Wife's Lover to Delete Sexual Videos?

    Hi. My wife had an affair a while ago with a guy who is also married with a child. She ended the affair and we are trying to work things out along with a therapist. The guy's wife has no idea of the whole thing and the therapist has advised us against disclosing the matter voluntarily to her...
  8. S

    NSW Knowledge of Under-age Sex - Thoughts?

    As a parent / step-parent.... Is it unlawful to knowingly allow minors both (aged 15) to have sex? So, for example - having found used condoms in step-child's bedroom - continuing to allow the children to have 'sleepovers' in the same room after the children admit to having sex. Any thoughts...
  9. S

    VIC Australian Law - Lying About Being Married Just to Have Sex?

    Hello, Can someone tell me, if a guy lies to a chick about being married just so he can have sex, is that against Australian Law?
  10. P

    QLD 16 year old wanting sex.

    I am a female & I'm turning 16 years old. I am aware that the legal consent age is 16 & I have seen people asking questions about having sex with either a 17 or 18 year old but soon as 16 is the legal age, hypothetically can a 16 year old have sex with someone 20+ thank you. Sincerely, Paige