Hermaphroditic
Hermaphroditic (pronunciation: /hɜːrməfrəˈdɪtɪk/) is a term derived from the Greek mythological figure Hermaphroditus, who was the child of Hermes and Aphrodite and possessed both male and female sexual organs.
Definition
A hermaphrodite is 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".
Etymology
The term "hermaphrodite" originates from the Greek language. It is a combination of the names of the Greek gods Hermes and Aphrodite. Hermes was the god of transitions and boundaries, while Aphrodite was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. The term was used in ancient times to describe anything that exhibited characteristics of both genders.
Related Terms
- Sequential hermaphroditism: A type of hermaphroditism that occurs when the individual changes sex at some point in its life.
- Simultaneous hermaphroditism: A type of hermaphroditism in which an individual has both male and female reproductive organs at the same time.
- Protandry: A form of sequential hermaphroditism in which the organism changes from a male to a female.
- Protogyny: A form of sequential hermaphroditism in which the organism changes from a female to a male.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hermaphroditic
- Wikipedia's article - Hermaphroditic
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