Hermaphrodite
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A '''hermaphrodite''' is an organism that possesses both [[male]] and [[female]] [[sex organ]]s during its life. In many species, hermaphroditism is a common part of the life-cycle, particularly in some asexual animals and some plants. Hermaphroditism is sometimes considered sexual reproduction, not asexual reproduction. Generally, hermaphroditism occurs in the [[invertebrate]]s, although it occurs in a fair number of [[fish]], and to a lesser degree in other [[vertebrate]]s. On very rare occasions, such a hermaphrodite can even impregnate itself, but this will result in complications, such as the offspring having identical DNA to its parent. The term is derived from ''[[Hermaphroditos]]'', the mythical son of ''[[Hermes]]'' and ''[[Aphrodite]]'', possessing both male and female qualities. | A '''hermaphrodite''' is an organism that possesses both [[male]] and [[female]] [[sex organ]]s during its life. In many species, hermaphroditism is a common part of the life-cycle, particularly in some asexual animals and some plants. Hermaphroditism is sometimes considered sexual reproduction, not asexual reproduction. Generally, hermaphroditism occurs in the [[invertebrate]]s, although it occurs in a fair number of [[fish]], and to a lesser degree in other [[vertebrate]]s. On very rare occasions, such a hermaphrodite can even impregnate itself, but this will result in complications, such as the offspring having identical DNA to its parent. The term is derived from ''[[Hermaphroditos]]'', the mythical son of ''[[Hermes]]'' and ''[[Aphrodite]]'', possessing both male and female qualities. | ||
- | Historically the term hermaphrodite has also been used to describe [[ambiguous genitalia]] and [[gonadal mosaicism]] in individuals of [[unisexual]] species, especially human beings. The broader term [[intersexuality|intersex]] is often used and is preferred by many such individuals and medical professionals. However, some of these people do not like the connotations and misunderstanding of the word "intersexed" and thus prefer to use hermaphrodite instead (Chase, 1998). | + | Historically the term hermaphrodite has also been used to describe [[ambiguous genitalia]] and [[gonadal mosaicism]] in individuals of [[unisexual]] species, especially human beings. The broader term [[intersexuality|intersex]] is often used and is [[prefer]]red by many such individuals and medical professionals. However, some of these people do not like the connotations and misunderstanding of the word "intersexed" and thus prefer to use hermaphrodite instead (Chase, 1998). |
== See == | == See == | ||
*[[Hermaphroditus (Beccadelli)]] | *[[Hermaphroditus (Beccadelli)]] | ||
*[[Hermaphrodite (Nadar)]] | *[[Hermaphrodite (Nadar)]] | ||
{{GFDL}} | {{GFDL}} |
Revision as of 16:03, 23 July 2017
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A hermaphrodite is an organism that possesses both male and female sex organs during its life. In many species, hermaphroditism is a common part of the life-cycle, particularly in some asexual animals and some plants. Hermaphroditism is sometimes considered sexual reproduction, not asexual reproduction. Generally, hermaphroditism occurs in the invertebrates, although it occurs in a fair number of fish, and to a lesser degree in other vertebrates. On very rare occasions, such a hermaphrodite can even impregnate itself, but this will result in complications, such as the offspring having identical DNA to its parent. The term is derived from Hermaphroditos, the mythical son of Hermes and Aphrodite, possessing both male and female qualities.
Historically the term hermaphrodite has also been used to describe ambiguous genitalia and gonadal mosaicism in individuals of unisexual species, especially human beings. The broader term intersex is often used and is preferred by many such individuals and medical professionals. However, some of these people do not like the connotations and misunderstanding of the word "intersexed" and thus prefer to use hermaphrodite instead (Chase, 1998).
See