Definition: Chromosomes are part of a genetic code that helps determine the sex of a baby bird. Female birds have one Z chromosome and one W chromosome, while make birds have two Z chromosomes. The chromosomes can be looked at under a microscope to determine which kinds they are, and thus to determine the sex of the bird. This is the technique that is used in DNA sexing, the most popular and accurate form of sexing in aviculture to date.
Pronunciation: Crow-mo-soms
Examples:
Scientists look at chromosomes in a blood sample to find out whether the sample came from a male or female bird.
