the embryo develops as a female in the absence of
testosterone
specific signals for male development. This is because the default developmental pathway for an embryo in mammals is female. This means that all embryos start off as neither male nor female, but rather undifferentiated.
The process of sexual differentiation occurs during the early stages of fetal development, where the presence or absence of certain hormones determines whether the embryo will develop as male or female. The presence of the Y chromosome triggers the development of testes, which produce hormones such as testosterone. These hormones, in turn, stimulate the development of male genitalia and reproductive structures.
In the absence of these male hormones, the undifferentiated gonads will develop into ovaries, and the embryo will develop as female. This is why females are considered the “default” sex in mammals. However, it is important to note that this process is not always straightforward, and there are cases where individuals may display intersex traits due to variations in hormone levels or other factors during fetal development.
More Answers:
Müllerian Ducts: The Embryonic Origin of Female Reproductive Organs.Embryonic Development of Human Reproductive System: Urogenital and Labioscrotal Folds Explained
Genital Tubercle: Male and Female Embryonic Development