Which term describes an organism that has both male and female reproductive organs?

Which term describes an organism that has both male and female reproductive organs?

• A. Monoecious
• B. Dioecious
• C. Asexual
• D. Hermaphrodite

Answer: (D)

Having both male and female reproductive organs is called hermaphroditism. An organism with both types of gonads can produce sperm and eggs, either at the same time or at different times in life. This differs from being dioecious, where individuals are distinctly male or female, and from monoecious plants, which have both male and female flowers on the same plant but typically refer to plants rather than animals. Asexual reproduction, by contrast, does not involve combining gametes at all. Hermaphroditic species include many invertebrates like earthworms and some mollusks, which may fertilize themselves or cross-fertilize with another individual.

Having both male and female reproductive organs is called hermaphroditism. An organism with both types of gonads can produce sperm and eggs, either at the same time or at different times in life. This differs from being dioecious, where individuals are distinctly male or female, and from monoecious plants, which have both male and female flowers on the same plant but typically refer to plants rather than animals. Asexual reproduction, by contrast, does not involve combining gametes at all. Hermaphroditic species include many invertebrates like earthworms and some mollusks, which may fertilize themselves or cross-fertilize with another individual.