I'm placing a link to a conceptual paper that explains how to differentiate temperature-dependent sex determination and cryptic forms of genetic sex determination.

It will seem boring to many, but with patience and common sense, proves very cut and dry. I know that this male/female-maker sex "rule" has been passed around for some time now, but we still have no clue about the true cause.

Unfortunately, academic investigators have failed thus far to replicate success in monitor reproduction (at least enough to produce the necessary numerical results). Since they can't take a lab monitor and split it open to check for a seed rack more than once, they likely won't have a strong answer for some time. Since you can't split a monitor open to check for a seed rack and then breed it or sell it, you won't have a strong answer for some time, either (you'd also have to start manipulating your incubation temps to satisfy those darn rules of rigorous investigation).

I'd reccomend reading this paper (pdf file). It's got very common sense information that's organized in a realistic (albeit wordy) way. You might already be familiar with the concepts in it, but can't hurt to check. It's linked through the publications web page on the site. I'll put the web address in case I goof up the link.

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~fjanzen/

Valenzuela, N., D. C. Adams, and F. J. Janzen. 2003. Pattern does not equal process: exactly when is sex environmentally determined? American Naturalist 161:676-683.
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