Hermaphroditen

Hermaphroditism is a biological condition in which an organism possesses both male and female reproductive organs or gamete-producing tissues. In biology, two main patterns are recognized: simultaneous hermaphroditism, in which both male and female systems are functional at the same time, and sequential hermaphroditism, in which an organism changes sex during its life. These patterns occur across several kingdoms, especially among invertebrates and plants, and are less common in vertebrates.

In plants, many flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both stamens and pistils, enabling self-fertilization or cross-pollination. Some species are monoecious, carrying separate male and female flowers on the same plant, while others are dioecious, with distinct male and female plants. In animals, simultaneous hermaphroditism is common among many invertebrates, including earthworms, many mollusks such as snails and slugs, and some flatworms; sequential hermaphroditism occurs in several fish species, including protandry (male before female, as in clownfish) and protogyny (female before male, as in some wrasses).

Reproduction in hermaphroditic species can occur through self-fertilization or cross-fertilization, with behaviors adapted to ecological conditions. Simultaneous hermaphrodites can exchange sperm with partners, increasing mating opportunities when individuals are scarce; sequential hermaphrodites can optimize fitness by changing sex in response to social structure or size. Trade-offs include risks of inbreeding and the physiological or social costs associated with sex change. In humans, the term hermaphrodite is considered outdated or stigmatizing; intersex is the preferred term for natural variation in sexual development.