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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermaphrodite

In a biological context, a hermaphrodite is an animal or plant that has both male and female reproductive organs.

In a biological context, a hermaphrodite is an animal or plant that has both male and female reproductive organs.

Many taxonomic groups of animals (mostly invertebrates), do not have separate sexes. In these groups, hermaphroditism is a normal condition, enabling a form of sexual reproduction in which both partners can act as the "male" or "female". For example, the great majority of pulmonate and opisthobranch snails and slugs are hermaphrodites. Hermaphroditism is also found in some fish, and to a lesser degree in other vertebrates.

Historically, the term hermaphrodite has also been used to describe ambiguous genitalia and gonadal mosaicism in individuals of gonochoristic species, especially human beings. The term comes from the name of the minor Greek god Hermaphroditus, son of Hermes and Aphrodite. Recently, intersex has been used and preferred by many such individuals, encouraging medical professionals to use the term.

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Last updated: October 14, 2010