HERMAPHRODITE

The term “hermaphrodite” is used to describe organisms that produce both male and female gametes (aka sperm and eggs).  This gets entertaining and complex when you try to apply it.  Animals like earthworms comply nicely (simultaneous hermaphrodites).  But, what about those critters that convert from female to male or vice versa (sequential hermaphrodites).  ARG!!!  Who said the study of life was straightforward!?!  There are advantages to being a hermaphrodite (refer to “How Earthworms Do It”).  Mainly, if you have found a member of your same species you are good to go.  As opposed to all those poor suckers that must find a member of the same species and opposite sex.  It makes mate finding a bit more efficient.

So, where do we get the term “hermaphrodite”?  Ahhh let’s travel back in time to my honors course on Greek Mythology in my freshman year … there I learned the story behind hermaphrodites.  Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty.  She was married to Hephaistos who was the god of smiths (shocked?).  But Aphrodite, being the goddess of love, had an affair with the god Hermes who traveled with speed on his winged shoes (Roman’s called this god “Nike”).  Hephaistos was suspicious and crafted a chainmail curtain which he hung over the marriage bed (he is a smith after all).  He hid and waited until Aphrodite and Hermes were in the act of adultery.  He dropped the curtain on them, squishing them together into one…hermaphrodite.