Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Serial hermaphroditism is a reproductive strategy where an organism changes its sex at some point in its life. This can occur as a response to environmental, social, or physiological factors.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Serial hermaphroditism is common in some species of crustaceans and other arthropods.
There are two main types: protandry (male to female) and protogyny (female to male).
Environmental cues, such as the size of the population or mate availability, often trigger the change.
Hormonal changes within the organism typically mediate the sex change process.
Serial hermaphroditism can increase reproductive success by allowing flexibility in mating strategies.
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Related terms
Protandry: A form of serial hermaphroditism where an organism changes from male to female.
Protogyny: A form of serial hermaphroditism where an organism changes from female to male.
Sequential Hermaphroditism: Another term for serial hermaphroditism, indicating a sequence or progression through different sexual phases.