In biology, a hermaphrodite is an organism that has reproductive organs normally associated with both male and female sexes.
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 "female" or "male".
For example, the great majority of pulmonate snails, opisthobranch snails and slugs are hermaphrodites. Hermaphroditism is also found in some fish species and to a lesser degree in other vertebrates. Most plants are also hermaphrodites.
Historically, the term hermaphrodite has also been used to describe ambiguous genitalia and gonadal mosaicism in individuals of gonochoristic species, especially human beings. The word intersex has come into preferred usage for humans, since the word hermaphrodite is considered to be misleading and stigmatizing,[3] as well as "scientifically specious and clinically problematic".
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Karen Atkins Joined: Feb-07-2010 |
Dr. Karen A. Atkins, PhD: Born Karen Adrien Osbey. To Adrien Francis. Osbey And Daisy Lee. Osbey. Born and raise in Chicago, IL. Has one son Zackary H. Atkins. Husband Herman Atkins Jr. Married in 1988. Doctorate Degree Of Doctor Of Philosophy in the Academic Discipline of Biblical Studies. Upon Rev. Dr. Karen A. Atkins. From Saint. Luke Evangelical School Of Biblical Studies. August 10, 2002.