LATERAL HERMAPHRODITISM Meaning and
Definition
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Lateral hermaphroditism refers to a unique sexual characteristic found in certain organisms, especially some species of plants and invertebrates. It is a type of hermaphroditism, which is the presence of both male and female reproductive organs within a single individual. However, in lateral hermaphroditism, these reproductive organs are located on different sides of the organism's body.
In plants, lateral hermaphroditism typically occurs when flowers possess both male and female structures but are positioned on different sides of the inflorescence. This arrangement often leads to self-fertilization, as pollen is transferred between flowers on the same plant.
Among invertebrates, lateral hermaphroditism can be observed in certain species of marine animals such as flatworms and slugs. In these organisms, the male and female reproductive organs are typically housed within distinct regions of the body. For instance, the male reproductive organs might be located on the right side, while the female reproductive organs are present on the left side.
The evolutionary benefits of lateral hermaphroditism include the ability to self-fertilize, which ensures reproductive success even in the absence of a mate. This characteristic enables these organisms to colonize new habitats efficiently and survive in environments with limited population densities.
Overall, lateral hermaphroditism represents a fascinating adaptation in nature, allowing certain organisms to possess both male and female reproductive capabilities but distinguishing themselves by the spatial separation of these organs.
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A form in which male organs are apparently present on one side and female organs on the other.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LATERAL HERMAPHRODITISM
- l ateral hermaphroditism
- la teral hermaphroditism
- lat eral hermaphroditism
- late ral hermaphroditism
- later al hermaphroditism
- latera l hermaphroditism
- lateral h ermaphroditism
- lateral he rmaphroditism
- lateral her maphroditism
- lateral herm aphroditism
- lateral hermaph roditism
- lateral hermaphr oditism
- lateral hermaphro ditism
- lateral hermaphrod itism
- lateral hermaphrodi tism
- lateral hermaphrodit ism
- lateral hermaphroditi sm
- lateral hermaphroditis m
Etymology of LATERAL HERMAPHRODITISM
The word "lateral hermaphroditism" is composed of two main components, "lateral" and "hermaphroditism".
1. Lateral: The term "lateral" in this context is derived from the Latin word "lateralis", meaning "side". In biological terms, it refers to the sides of an organism. Lateral can describe the location or movement from side to side.
2. Hermaphroditism: The term "hermaphroditism" is derived from the Greek god Hermaphroditus. In Greek mythology, Hermaphroditus was the child of the gods Hermes (male) and Aphrodite (female). According to the legend, Hermaphroditus possessed both male and female genitals, hence becoming associated with the concept of biological individuals that possess reproductive organs of both sexes.
