Hermaphroditic

Hermaphroditic refers to an organism that has complete or partial reproductive organs and produces gametes normally associated with both male and female sexes. Many taxonomic groups of animals (mostly invertebrates) do not have separate sexes. In these groups, hermaphroditism is a normal condition, enabling a form of sexual reproduction in which either partner can act as the "female" or "male".

Overview

Hermaphroditism occurs in many fish species and most gastropods, and it is common in plants. For instance, the great majority of tunicates, pulmonate snails, opisthobranch snails, earthworms, and slugs are hermaphrodites. Hermaphroditism is also found in some fish species and to a lesser degree in other vertebrates. Most plants are also hermaphrodites.

Types of Hermaphroditism

There are three types of hermaphroditism: simultaneous, sequential, and pseudohermaphroditism.

Simultaneous Hermaphroditism

In simultaneous hermaphroditism, an individual may possess fully functional male and female genitalia. This can occur in many animals, such as earthworms and slugs.

Sequential Hermaphroditism

In sequential hermaphroditism, an individual changes sex at some point in their life. They can begin life as a male and then change into a female, or vice versa.

Pseudohermaphroditism

In pseudohermaphroditism, individuals develop secondary sexual characteristics of the opposite sex but do not have both male and female reproductive organs.

See Also

• Intersex
• Sexual reproduction
• Sexual dimorphism

References

Hermaphroditic Resources
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