Yes, an offspring with an XY chromosome combination typically develops male characteristics and is therefore considered a boy.
Understanding Sex Chromosomes
The sex of an individual is primarily determined by their sex chromosomes. Humans have two sex chromosomes:
- X chromosome: Present in both males and females.
- Y chromosome: Primarily present in males.
How Chromosomes Determine Sex
According to the reference material:
Offspring have two sex chromosomes: an offspring with two X chromosomes (XX) will develop female characteristics, and an offspring with an X and a Y chromosome (XY) will develop male characteristics.
This means:
| Chromosome Combination | Biological Sex |
|---|---|
| XX | Female |
| XY | Male |
Implications
- The presence of the Y chromosome triggers the development of male physical traits.
- The absence of the Y chromosome results in female development.
- Sex determination is a complex process, but these chromosomes are foundational for sex differentiation.
Therefore, based on established biological understanding, an individual with XY chromosomes is typically a boy.
