From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The shield and spear of the Roman god Mars, which is also the alchemical symbol for iron, represents the male sex.

Male (♂) refers to the sex of an organism, or part of an organism, which produces small mobile gametes, called spermatozoa. Each spermatozoon can fuse with a larger female gamete or ovum, in the process of fertilization. A male cannot reproduce sexually without access to at least one ovum from a female, but some organisms can reproduce both sexually and asexually.

Not all species share a common sex-determination system. In humans and most animals, sex is determined genetically but in other species it can be determined due to social, environmental, or other factors.

The existence of two sexes seems to have been selected independently across different evolutionary lineages (see Convergent Evolution). The repeated pattern is sexual reproduction in isogamous species with two or more mating types with gametes of identical form and behavior (but different at the molecular level) to anisogamous species with gametes of male and female types to oogamous species in which the female gamete is very much larger than the male and has no ability to move. There is a good argument that this pattern was driven by the physical constraints on the mechanisms by which two gametes get together as required for sexual reproduction. ^[1]

Accordingly, sex is defined operationally across species by the type of gametes produced (ie: spermatozoa vs. ova) and differences between males and females in one lineage are not always predictive of differences in another.

Male/Female dimorphism between organisms or reproductive organs of different sexes is not limited to animals; male gametes are produced by chytrids, diatoms and land plants, among others. In land plants, female and male designate not only the female and male gamete-producing organisms and structures but also the structures of the sporophytes that give rise to male and female plants.

Symbol

A common symbol used to represent the male gender is the Mars symbol, ♂ (Unicode: U+2642 Alt codes: Alt+11)—a circle with an arrow pointing northeast. This is often called a stylized representation of the Roman god Mars' shield and spear.^{[citation needed]}

Sex determination

The sex of a particular organism may be determined by a number of factors. These may be genetic or environmental, or may naturally change during the course of an organism's life. Although most species with male and female sexes have individuals that are either male or female, hermaphroditic animals, such as worms, have both male and female reproductive organs.

Genetic determination

Most mammals, including humans, are genetically determined as such by the XY sex-determination system where males have an XY (as opposed to XX) sex chromosome. It is also possible in a variety of species, including human beings, to be XXY or have other intersex/hermaphroditic qualities. These qualities are widely reported to be as common as redheadedness (about 2% of the population).^[2] During reproduction, a male can give either an X sperm or a Y sperm, while a female can only give an X egg. A Y sperm and an X egg produce a boy, while an X sperm and an X egg produce a girl. The ZW sex-determination system, where males have a ZZ (as opposed to ZW) sex chromosome may be found in birds and some insects (mostly butterflies and moths) and other organisms. Members of Hymenoptera, such as ants and bees, are determined by haplodiploidy, where most males are haploid and females and some sterile males are diploid.

Environmental determination

In some species of reptiles, including alligators, sex is determined by the temperature at which the egg is incubated. Other species, such as some snails, practice sex change: adults start out male, then become female. In tropical clown fish, the dominant individual in a group becomes female while the other ones are male.

In some arthropods, sex is determined by infection. Bacteria of the genus Wolbachia alter their sexuality; some species consist entirely of ZZ individuals, with sex determined by the presence of Wolbachia.

Secondary sex characteristics

In those species with two sexes, males may differ from females in ways other than production of spermatozoa. In many insects and fish the male is smaller than the female. In seed plants, which exhibit alternation of generations, the famale and male parts are both included within the sporophyte sex organ of a single organism. In mammals, including humans, males are typically larger than females. In birds, the male often exhibits a colorful plumage that attracts females.

See also

• Boy
• Female
• Gender
• Male pregnancy
• Man
• Masculinity

References

From Wikitravel

Islamic Centre, the largest mosque in the Maldives

Malé (މާލ), pronounced Mah-lay, is the capital of Maldives. The city occupies the entire islet of Malé and is located at the southern rim of North Male Atoll.

Understand

The island is 1.7 km long and 1.0 km wide, but with over 100,000 people crammed onto it, Male is by some measures the world's densest city. The new island of Hulhumalé, built (as the name says) between Male and Hulhule, is being reclaimed from the sea to provide some much-needed extra space.

Orientation

Male's main street Boduthakurufaanu Magu, home to banks and most government buildings, runs along the north shore. Roughly in the middle is the square of Jumhooree Maidhaan, a handy reference point since it has a giant flagpole visible from far away. From the flagpole extends a series of ten jetties running eastward, with jetty #1 (the Presidential Jetty) right in front of the square and jetties #9 and #10, used by the airport ferry, at the northeastern tip of the island.

Male International Airport (IATA: MLE) [1] is located on the neighboring island of Hulhule. The airport has a good set of facilities, including bank, ATM, pharmacy, internet point and a left luggage service ($3/bag/day) awkwardly located in the arrivals area; the guards will let you in if you tell them you're going there.

Most visitors to the Maldives are met by travel agent reps right outside Customs, who then whisk them away to their resorts by speedboat or plane. If your destination is the city itself, turn right and head for the public ferry dock. Ferries to the city take 10 min and leave every 10-15 min during daytime (Rf.10 or US$1), every 30 min after midnight ($2).

On the way back, note that you will not be allowed into the air-conditioned departures area until flight check-in opens, usually 2-3 hours before your flight. Facilities "outside" include free showers (bring soap and towel), a basic but cheap cafe, an overpriced but airconditioned restaurant and a Movenpick ice cream shop.

Get around

Male is small enough to walk around in an hour, and almost all sights are concentrated on the north shore, within a 15-min walk from airport ferry jetty (#9-10).

Public transportation in Male is limited to roving taxis, who charge a flat Rf.20 plus Rf.5 per bag. There are also ferries from the new terminal next to Jetty #10 to the new Hulhumale development every 20-30 minutes from 5 AM until 1 AM.

Jumhooree Maidhaan, the heart of Male

• Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiiy). Built in 1656 during the reign of sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I, intricately carved with Arabic writings and ornamental patterns. Unfortunately non-Muslims are not allowed inside without prior permission. Free.  edit

• Independence Square (Jumhooree Maidhaan). Male's centerpoint is this little park on the north coast, marked by a flagpole with a giant Maldivian flag. It's also the focal point of every political demonstration in the capital, and hence has a heavy security presence buttressed by the police HQ in the Shaheed Hussain Adam Building next door.  edit

• Islamic Centre. Male's best-known architectural landmark, just south of Jumhooree Maidhaan. The complex contains the largest mosque in the Maldives, topped with a golden dome and capable of accommodating 5,000 people. Visitors are welcome inside outside prayer hours, but no interior photographs are allowed. Free.  edit

• Maldives National Defense Force HQ (Bandaara Koshi, Bandeyrige), Ameer Ahmed Magu (off Independence Sq, opp Islamic Center), [2]. Emphatically not a tourist attraction, the sinister, windowless white bulk of the recently renamed National Security Service (the Maldivian secret police), topped with guard towers every few meters and strict admonitions not to photograph it, is an unmissable sight in central Male and a reminder of the iron fist that until recently had the country in a stranglehold.  edit

• Sultan Park and National Museum. Sat-Thu 9 AM-5 PM. The sole surviving building of what was once the Sultan's palace is now the Maldivian National Museum, housing a scruffy, haphazard collection of royal regalia and old photographs, including three moon rocks and a faded Maldivian flag that went to the moon. At least there's air-con and some semblance of English explanation. Park free, museum US$3 or RF 38.  edit

• Hulhumale Island is in short boatride away. Boats leave from their own terminal, next to airport ferries (upstairs of terminal building is good restaurant with great harbour views!). Hulhumale is an artificial island where new buildings are rising rapidly, but currently it's quite empty and a kind of a countryside for Male. There is also nice looking beach in the other end of the island from jetty. There are restaurants and cafes on the island.

• There is a small artificial beach on the east coast, about a ten-minute stroll from the airport ferry. It's not much compared to other beaches on the Maldives, especially as most locals bathe fully clothed, but there is some excellent surfing if you're experienced enough.
• Whale Submarine, H. Abadhahfehi Magu, ☎ +960 333 3939, [3]. You may not see whales, but this 30-40 minute submarine trip will expose you to the ocean life just off the coast of Male. Sit on the left hand side of the submarine for the best views and don't drink too much water before you leave-- there's no toilet on board!  edit

• Head to the Male Market in the northern part of the city. Vendors energetically hawk their goods in this busy market. A must if you're spending a few days in Male.

• Fish Market. Just west of Independence Sq and with a cluster of fishing boats docked just opposite, this is where fish are brought, gutted and sold for local consumption. With pools of tuna blood running into the street, it's not exactly sanitary, but there's a good cafe upstairs serving the freshest fish around. Busiest in the afternoons.  edit

• State Trading Organization, Orchid Magu, [4]. State-run supermarket retailing mostly generic imported goods from India, Singapore and the Middle East. Not particularly exciting, but vastly cheaper than the resorts, and a good place to pick up Maldivian tuna and local snacks.  edit

• Jade Bistro, In front of jetty #8. Air-conditioned, pleasant coffee shop with wi-fi. They serve croissants, pastries and basic meals. Cappuccino US$2.50, Rf. 20-30.  edit

• Maarukeytu Hota, (2nd floor of fish market). Local, busy and noisy Maldivian eatery full of fishermen from the market below. No English menu, but the staff are happy to help out. A serve of grilled fish, curry, rice and drinks won't cost more than Rf.30 or so. Rf.20-30.  edit

• Olive Garden, Orchid de Magu St (walking distance from jetty 1). Pizza, pasta and the usual suspects, spiced up to Maldivian tastes — warn the waiter in advance if you don't like chili! US$5-15, Rf. 50.  edit

• Pool Side, Hulhule Island Hotel (on the airport island). Popular among locals and expats alike for steaks.  edit

• Shell Beans, [5]. Popular sandwich shop. US$2, Rf. 20-30.  edit

• Thai Wok, One block from Jetty 6-7-8. Tasty, authentic Thai food. US$5-8, Rf. 50.  edit
• FoodBank, Orchid magu (opp;MHA supermart). 9am-12.30am. Some of the best seafood and local cuisine in town. European and Indian food also available. usd6-40.  edit

Drink

No alcohol is available on Male, even at the hotels, with the solitary exception of the Hulhule Island Hotel.

Sleep

Many visitors to the Maldives end up spending a night on Male out of necessity, as transfers to more far-flung resorts are generally only available during daylight hours.

Male's guesthouses are targeted primarily at traveling locals and generally do not offer air-conditioning. The cheapest actual hotels in Male cost about US$50 for a single. If you are staying in Male for more than one night, consider one of the splurge options for accommodation as budget and mid-range hotels have been known to be somewhat loud and dirty.

It's good idea to book before arriving to the Maldives as immigration will want to know where you are staying. If you are a tourist, tourist tax is added on top of the price.

• Luckyhiya Hotel, +9603315856, fax +9603340953, E-mail: info@luckyhiyahotel.mv. Friendly budget option.

• Fuana Inn, Hulhumale, ☎ +960-3350610, [6]. This guesthouse was opened in 2007 in the new Hulhumale development. 20 min from Male by boat, but no direct access from the airport. US$50/75 single/twin.  edit

• Candies, Dheefuram Goalhi, Henveiru, ☎ +960 331 0220 (sales@candies.mv), [7].  edit Clean rooms and internet in every room makes Candies a good choice for those in Male on business.
• Central Hotel, G. Sanoaraage, Rahdhebai Magu, ☎ +960-317766, [8]. In the middle of Male, the central hotel is a passable mid-range option.  edit
• Kam Hotel, Roanuge, Meheli Goalhi, [9].  edit
• Mookai Hotel, Kaimoo THS, H. Maagala, Meheli Goalhi, ☎ +960 322 212, [10]. Breakfast included in the price.  edit
• Nasandhura Palace, [11]. Built in 1981 and starting to be a little scruffy around the edges. Primarily a business hotel, with no pool or other holiday facilities. 10 min from airport by boat. US$120.  edit
• Relax Inn, ☎ +960-3314531, [12]. Probably the cheapest hotel in Male. One minute's walk from the ferry terminal. US$59/69 single/double.  edit

• Holiday Inn Male, Ameer Ahmed Magu, ☎ +960-330-0888, [13]. The newest and best hotel on Male. Don't been fooled by the name, it's outfitted like a 5-star hotel... and priced to match.  edit

• Hulhule Island Hotel, ☎ +960-333-0888, [14]. Quite possibly the world's nicest transit hotel, this is located on the same island as the airport, with a swimming pool, its own strip of beach and complimentary transfers to Male. Not cheap though. US$250.  edit

Respect

Dress respectfully if visiting Male. Men should wear at least T-shirts and shorts below the knee, while women should keep shoulders and legs covered.

Stay safe

Anti-government protests broke out in 2003, 2004 and 2005, all turning into riots that were brutally suppressed by the government, but things have been quiet since the elections and peaceful political transition of 2008.

While foreigners have not been specifically targeted, a small bomb exploded in front of the National Museum in 2007, injuring several tourists.

Crime rates in Male are low, although some advise not walking around alone after dark.

Traveling by boat in the Maldives

From Male, resorts all around the Maldives pick people up and whisk them to their idyllic shores. If you are in the Maldives for longer than a few days, you should consider leaving Male and checking out another island.

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

English

Wikipedia has an article on:

Male

Wikipedia

Etymology

Middle English male, borrowed from Old French masle, malle (Modern French mâle), from Latin masculus (“‘masculine, a male’”), diminutive of mās (“‘male, masculine’”).

Pronunciation

• enPR: māl, IPA: /meɪl/, SAMPA: /meIl/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

  Rhymes: -eɪl

• Homophones: mail

Adjective

male (not comparable)

1. Belonging or referring to the sex which is generally characterized as having the smaller gametes (for species which have two sexes and for which this distinction can be made) which fertilize the female-produced eggs.
   • 2009, The Guardian, 11 Sep 09:

     "It's very complex area," said Bowen-Simpkins, a consultant gynaecologist. "The male hormone is what gives bulk to muscles and bones so they are at an advantage."

2. Characteristic of or relating to men, or male animals.
   • 2009, The Guardian, 11 Dec 09:

     "While No Doubt are avid fans of the Rolling Stones and even have performed in concerts with them, the Character Manipulation Feature results in an unauthorised performance by the Gwen Stefani avatar in a male voice boasting about having sex with prostitutes," the band's lawyers alleged.

3. (figuratively) Of instruments or tools: designed to fit into or penetrate a "female" counterpart, as in a connector or pipe fitting.

Synonyms

• manly, masculine
• (figuratively) plug, pin

Antonyms

• female
• neuter

Translations

Noun

male (plural males)

1. Someone of male, masculine gender, whether human, (sexual) animal or (sexual) plant.

Synonyms

• boy

Antonyms

• female

Translations

See also

• macho
• masculine
• ♂

Anagrams

• Anagrams of aelm
• amel
• Elma
• lame, lamé
• lema
• meal

Danish

Pronunciation

• IPA: /maːlə/, [ˈmæːlə]
•  audio^{help, file}

Verb

male (imperative mal, present maler, past malede or malte, past participle malet)

1. grind, mill
2. paint

Dutch

Noun

male

1. (archaic) inflexion of maal (all senses)

Esperanto

Adverb

male

from the prefix mal- (antonym) + -e (indicates adverb)

1. on the contrary

Estonian

Etymology

Coined ex nihilo by Ado Grenzstein in the 19th century.

Noun

male

1. chess

Anagrams

• emal
• lame

Italian

Pronunciation

• IPA: [ˈmaː.le], /ˈmale/, SAMPA: /"ma.le/

Adverb

male

1. badly, wrongly

Antonyms

• bene

Noun

male m. (plural mali)

1. evil, harm
2. pain, ache, illness, sickness, disease

Antonyms

• bene

Derived terms

• andare a male
• far male
• farsi male
• grande male
• mal d'auto
• mal di gola
• mal di mare
• mal di testa
• mal di denti
• mal di fegato
• meno male
• non c'è male
• poco male

Anagrams

• Anagrams of aelm
• alme
• lame
• mela

Latin

Etymology

From malus (“‘bad, wicked’”).

Pronunciation

• (Classical) IPA: /ˈma.le/

Adverb

male (comparative pēius, superlative pessimē)

1. badly
2. wrongly
3. cruelly, wickedly

Derived terms

• maledīcō
• malefaciō
• nōn male

Related terms

• malus

Norwegian

Verb

male

1. paint
2. grind (to make smaller by breaking with a device)
3. purr (of a cat, to make a vibrating sound in its throat when contented)