MALE HERMAPHRODITISM Meaning and
Definition
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Male hermaphroditism is a rare biological condition characterized by the presence of both male and female reproductive organs in a single organism. This condition is observed in certain species of animals, including some fish, crustaceans, and gastropods. In male hermaphroditism, the organism possesses functional testes, which are responsible for producing sperm, as well as functional female reproductive structures, such as ovaries, oviducts, or even a functional uterus.
The term "male hermaphroditism" is often used to describe the specific condition where an organism primarily exhibits male characteristics, with the presence of female reproductive structures being secondary or less developed. This contrasts with true simultaneous hermaphrodites, where male and female reproductive organs are fully developed and functional at the same time.
Male hermaphroditism can have various reproductive strategies. For instance, some male hermaphroditic species may produce both sperm and eggs, allowing them to self-fertilize. Others may switch between male and female roles throughout their lifetime, engaging in sequential hermaphroditism. This may involve starting as males and transitioning to females, or vice versa, in response to environmental or social cues.
Understanding male hermaphroditism is crucial for studying sexual development, evolution, and reproductive strategies in these species. It provides insights into the complex interplay between genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that govern sexual differentiation and reproductive strategies in organisms exhibiting this biological phenomenon.
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H. In which the male characteristics predominate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MALE HERMAPHRODITISM
- m ale hermaphroditism
- ma le hermaphroditism
- mal e hermaphroditism
- male h ermaphroditism
- male he rmaphroditism
- male her maphroditism
- male herm aphroditism
- male hermaph roditism
- male hermaphr oditism
- male hermaphro ditism
- male hermaphrod itism
- male hermaphrodi tism
- male hermaphrodit ism
- male hermaphroditi sm
- male hermaphroditis m
Etymology of MALE HERMAPHRODITISM
The term "male hermaphroditism" is a compound word formed by combining two different words.
1. Male: The word "male" originates from the Latin word "masculus", which means "of the male sex". This Latin term comes from the Latin word "mas", meaning "man". The etymology of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*mas-" or "*man-", which shares a similar meaning. This root has cognates in various Indo-European languages, such as Greek "mērós" (part, share), Old Irish "muir" (men), and Sanskrit "máṃsa" (meat).
2. Hermaphroditism: The word "hermaphroditism" is derived from "Hermaphroditus", a Greek mythological figure.
