What is the origin of the term hermaphrodite?
Q: What is the origin of the term hermaphrodite?
A: The term hermaphrodite comes from Hermaphroditus, the son of Hermes and Aphrodite.
Q: How is the term hermaphrodite used in biology?
A: In biology, hermaphrodite is used to describe an animal that can produce both sperm and ova.
Q: What is an example of a hermaphrodite in zoology?
A: Most earthworms are hermaphrodites.
Q: What is the difference between a simultaneous and sequential hermaphrodite?
A: A simultaneous hermaphrodite has both sets of sex organs throughout life, while a sequential hermaphrodite has ovaries at first, replaced by a testis later, or the other way round.
Q: How is the term hermaphrodite used in botany?
A: In botany, hermaphrodite is used for "complete" flowers with both male and female parts, and for plants which have bisexual reproductive units.
Q: Why is the term hermaphrodite not correct for people?
A: The term hermaphrodite is not correct for people because true functioning hermaphrodites are not possible in humans.
Q: What is the definition of intersex?
A: Intersex is defined as "individuals of a bisexual species that have characteristics intermediate between the male and female." People who are intersex may have a very small penis and no testicles, or a very small and short vagina and a large clitoris that looks like a penis.
