hermaphrodites have both women and male organs can that happen????
2007-06-14 10:35:04 · 9 answers · asked by maria s 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
theoretically its possible, but they would have to be producing both viable eggs, and viable sperm - and these two cells would have to get together - all this is not very likely.
2007-06-14 10:38:31 · answer #1 · answered by Daniel F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a really interesting question. A very good way to explain the answer is using an example of plant spores. Many plants will produce 2 kinds of spores: one is male and the other is hermaphroditic. In theory, the female part of the hermaphroditic spore could become fertilized by the male part. HOWEVER, the spores have a mechanism to prevent such an occurrance. This mechanism is very simple: the male and female parts on the hermaphroditic spore mature at different rates. This prevents the spore from being self-fertilized. The main reason for preventing this self-fertilization in genetic variation. If the same spore is fertilizing itself, a lot of the diversity in the gene pool would be lost.
Hope that helps!
2007-06-14 18:18:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is an interesting question which others have asked in the past. It is unlikely however that a hermaphrodite could be self-fertilizing because, at least in the lower animals like earthworm, the receptors on the surface of the hermaphrodite's egg cells will not recognize the receptors on that same hermaphrodite's sperm cells; thus, even when mixed in vitro, they will not self-fertilize. Now, if that holds true across the species spectrum, I don't know.
2007-06-14 17:55:52 · answer #3 · answered by Bob D1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In theory it might sound like it. On paper it may seem viable, but most likely not. While hermaphrodites have both male and female sex organs usually only one set works so it is very unlikely that getting oneself pregnant would be possible.
2007-06-14 17:42:49 · answer #4 · answered by Ducky D 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think its ever happened, but of course there is always a first time.
Like some of the other answerers said, it is extremely rare for a hermaphodite to have both sets of reproduction organs working fully.
If it were to happen, there would likely be severe genetic problems. Its not likely the fetus would be carried to term.
2007-06-14 17:53:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, assuming there is a way for it to get its own sperm and ova together.
2007-06-14 17:39:21 · answer #6 · answered by Somes J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Their gonads aren't capable of producing viable ova and/or sperm.
2007-06-14 18:26:44 · answer #7 · answered by A L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, they can't. not humans, but other animals, like worms can.
2007-06-14 17:39:52 · answer #8 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
humans cannot
2007-06-14 17:42:50 · answer #9 · answered by becca457 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋