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In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.  
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In animals, gender is determined by the number and type of sex chromosome. For example, human females have two X chromosomes, and males have one X and one Y chromosome, whereas C.elegans with one X chromosome is a male, and the one with two X chromosomes is a hermaphrodite.
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The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
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Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
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Yes, polygenic sex determination is a thing!

Thomas D Kocher1, Richard P Meisel2, Tony Gamble3

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Polygenic sex determination (PSD) is more common than previously thought, with many animal species utilizing complex genetic and environmental interactions for sexual development. Misconceptions and experimental limitations may have historically underestimated its prevalence.

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics
  • Animal Reproduction

Background:

  • Sexual development in animals is regulated by diverse mechanisms, including environmental cues and single 'master regulator' genes.
  • Genetic factors, such as sex chromosomes, also play a role, with systems ranging from monofactorial to polygenic.
  • The prevalence of polygenic systems in sex determination is often underestimated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the perception that polygenic sex determination (PSD) is rare in animals.
  • To explore the potential biases and limitations contributing to the underestimation of PSD.
  • To highlight the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors in animal sexual development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on animal sexual development and sex determination mechanisms.
  • Analysis of potential experimental and theoretical biases affecting the study of polygenic systems.
  • Discussion of the continuum between monofactorial and polygenic sex determination systems.

Main Results:

  • Many animal species likely utilize polygenic sex determination, involving multiple genes and environmental interactions.
  • Experimental limitations, such as insufficient statistical power, may obscure the detection of multiple loci involved in PSD.
  • Intellectual biases and misinterpretations of theoretical models may contribute to the underestimation of PSD.

Conclusions:

  • Polygenic sex determination is a significant, yet potentially underappreciated, mechanism in animal sexual development.
  • Further research with robust statistical power is needed to accurately assess the prevalence and mechanisms of PSD.
  • Understanding PSD is crucial for a comprehensive view of animal reproductive biology and evolution.