Final answer:
Sex-linked characteristics are traits linked to genes on sex chromosomes, with X-linked traits appearing more in males due to their single X chromosome. Females can be carriers, potentially affecting their children.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sex-linked characteristics are traits that are associated with genes located on the sex chromosomes. In humans, females have two X chromosomes (XX) and males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). Characteristics that are encoded by genes on the X chromosome but not the Y chromosome are referred to as X-linked traits. These traits have unique inheritance patterns due to the difference in X chromosome makeup between males and females. For example, red-green color blindness, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy are known human sex-linked disorders. X-linked traits often manifest differently between the sexes; males are more frequently affected by X-linked recessive disorders because they have only one X chromosome. Females can be carriers of these traits and may pass them on to their offspring.