What is the term for significant physical differences between male and female members of the same species?

The term for significant physical differences between male and female members of the same species is known as sexual dimorphism. This phenomenon can be observed in various species, where males and females exhibit distinct characteristics, such as size, color, or body structure, which often play a role in mating and reproductive success.

For instance, in many bird species, males are often more colorful or larger than females, which can attract mates. In contrast, the concept of intraspecific competition refers to competition among members of the same species for resources, while K-selected organisms are those that produce fewer offspring but invest more care in their upbringing. Population dispersion describes the way individuals of a species are spaced out in their environment, which is not directly related to the physical differences between sexes. Understanding sexual dimorphism is important as it provides insights into the evolutionary pressures and reproductive strategies that shape species over time.