Hermaphroditism is a reproductive strategy where an organism possesses both male and female reproductive organs. This allows the organism to produce both eggs and sperm, often enabling self-fertilization or mating with any individual of its species.
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Hermaphroditic organisms can be found in various animal groups including some fish, snails, and worms.
There are two main types: simultaneous hermaphroditism, where both reproductive organs are present at the same time, and sequential hermaphroditism, where the organism changes sex at some point in its life.
Simultaneous hermaphrodites can often self-fertilize but may also mate with others to increase genetic diversity.
Sequential hermaphrodites may change from male to female (protandry) or from female to male (protogyny).
Hermaphroditism can be advantageous in environments where finding a mate is challenging.
Review Questions
What are the two main types of hermaphroditism?
How does simultaneous hermaphroditism differ from sequential hermaphroditism?
What advantage does hermaphroditism provide in certain environments?
Related terms
Sequential Hermaphroditism: A form of hermaphroditism where an organism changes sex during its lifetime.
Protandry: A type of sequential hermaphroditism where an organism starts as a male and later becomes a female.
Protogyny: A type of sequential hermaphroditism where an organism starts as a female and later becomes a male.