Hermaphroditic Leopard Slugs!

Contributor: Stinkytofu10 Stinkytofu10
I am very fascinated by this video: link

I think it's amazing that some creatures have both male and female organs, and can sexually reproduce successfully with any other individual of the same species.

Wouldn't it be beneficial if humans could do that too? Imagine the biodiversity and genetic diversity if all humans could mate and produce viable offspring with any individual of the same species (Homo sapiens), instead of roughly half the population!
12/22/2011
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Contributor: Eucaly Eucaly
It's kind of pretty and disturbing!
12/22/2011
Contributor: Ghost Ghost
Quote:
Originally posted by Stinkytofu10
I am very fascinated by this video: link

I think it's amazing that some creatures have both male and female organs, and can sexually reproduce successfully with any other individual of the same species.

Wouldn't it be ... more
Actually, hermaphroditism would serve to lower genetic diversity by quickly homogenizing a population. The main point of hermaphroditism in nature is to ensure successful mating in a population which either 1) faces frequent disturbance, 2) has wide dispersal, 3) has a very short lifespan or needs to produce large amounts of offspring (say, because of a high death rate).

In humans and other animals with two distinct sexes, the male is used as a genetic "check": to raise genetic diversity. Otherwise, species become parthenogenic (females producing females without fertilization).
12/22/2011
Contributor: True Pleasures True Pleasures
Also, I think it was in a Vlogbrothers video that Hank was talking about the bodily harm that's inflicted when these creatures attempt to mate. I forget what exactly happens, but I think it had to do with a penis being snapped off, but I could be completely wrong.
12/22/2011