Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
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.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
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.
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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.