Sexual dimorphism refers to the differences between males and females in a species in terms of physical characteristics and behavior. Synonyms for this term can include gender dimorphism, sex-based differentiation, sexual dichotomy, sex-specific variation, and sexual differentiation. These synonyms emphasize the fact that the differences between males and females are based on their biological sex and are often associated with reproductive function. These terms are commonly used in studies of evolutionary biology, ecology, and animal behavior to understand how males and females differ in their adaptations to their environment and in their roles within a given species.