Base Definitions
This page establishes foundational biological terminology used throughout the site. All definitions are biological in nature and are intended to be descriptive, not normative.
Terminology
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fecundity | Biological capability to reproduce |
| Gametogenesis | Production of sex cells (gametes) |
| Spermatogenesis | Production of small gametes (sperm) |
| Oogenesis | Production of large gametes (eggs / ova) |
| Fertility | Actual reproduction (e.g., number of offspring born) |
| Infertility | Failure to achieve pregnancy despite fecundity |
| Intersex | Congenital variations in sex development affecting sex-linked traits |
Sex classification in sexually reproducing species
In sexually reproducing species (including humans), biological sex is defined by the type of gametes an organism is developmentally organized to produce.
Male:
An organism developmentally organized for the production of small gametes (sperm)Female:
An organism developmentally organized for the production of large gametes (eggs / ova)
Intersex
Intersex is an umbrella term describing a range of congenital variations in sex development. These variations may affect one or more sex-linked traits, including:
- Chromosomes (e.g., XX, XY, variations or mosaics)
- Gonadal development (e.g., testes, ovaries, or mixed / atypical gonads)
- Hormone production or responsiveness
- Internal or external reproductive anatomy
Intersex conditions represent deviations in typical sex development pathways but do not constitute an additional sex category based on gamete production.
Individuals with intersex traits are still biologically male or female depending on their underlying developmental organization, even when reproductive function is impaired or atypical.