Who is hermaphrodite? The term hermaphrodite derives from Hermaphroditus, the Son of Hermes and Aphrodite in Greek Mythology, who was fused with a nymph, Salmacis, resulting in one possesing physical traits of both sexes. It is therefore appropriate to state that a hermaphrodite is an organism that possesses both male and female sex organs during its life (Wikipedia) . 1 Persons with ‘ambiguous’ sexual anatomy are hermaphrodites (Dreher, 1998). 2 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 1 In these groups, an organism may be born with one sex and then later change into the other sex and can only function as one sex at one time (sequential hermaphrodites) as seen in Clownfish and wrasses.
On the other hand, an adult organism may have both male and female organs at the same time (synchronous hermaphrodite). Usually in the latter, self-fertilization does not occur. Examples of simulataneous hermaphrodites are earthworms, banana slugs and humans. Historically the term hermaphrodite has also been used to describe ambiguous genitalia 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.
The phrase ‘”ambiguous genitalia'” refers specifically to incongruent genital appearance, but not all intersex conditions result in it. Leonard shaw describes intersexualtity as conditions in which chromosomal sex is inconsistent with phenotypic sex, or in which the phenotype is not classifiable as either male or female. This concept describes human hermaphrodites. 1 This goes to show that hermaphroditism occurs in all forms of life: plants and animals, although described with different terms It is normal in some, as part of life cycle (e. g. clownfish), but rare in others (especially humans).