It's important to remember that both parents contribute equally to a child's genetics. While it's often said that the father determines the sex of the child, that's just one aspect.

Here's a breakdown:

* Sex chromosomes: The father contributes either an X or a Y chromosome, determining the child's sex. A mother always contributes an X chromosome.

* Autosomal chromosomes: These are the other 22 pairs of chromosomes, carrying genes for a vast range of traits. The father contributes one chromosome from each pair.

* Mitochondrial DNA: This is a tiny bit of DNA separate from the nucleus, passed down solely from the mother.

Therefore, the father contributes:

* Half of the child's total genetic material. This includes genes for everything from hair and eye color to physical features and predisposition to certain diseases.

* The sex chromosome that determines the child's gender.

In conclusion, both parents play an equal role in determining a child's genetic makeup. While the father's contribution determines the sex of the child, both parents contribute equally to the vast array of other traits and characteristics.