What are the merits and demerits of hermaphroditism?

1.	What are the merits and demerits of hermaphroditism?
Answer» Hermaphroditism is the condition in which an organism possesses reproductive organs of both the sexes. Merits of hermaphroditism: a. Assured fertilization which reduces the risk of a species to become extinct due to unavailability of mating partner. b. Energy required for searching out mating partner is conserved. c. Frequency of mating is maximized. Demerits of hermaphroditism: a. More energy is required to maintain both the reproductive systems. b. Limited gene diversity.

Answer»

Hermaphroditism is the condition in which an organism possesses reproductive organs of both the sexes.

Merits of hermaphroditism:

a. Assured fertilization which reduces the risk of a species to become extinct due to unavailability of mating partner.

b. Energy required for searching out mating partner is conserved.

c. Frequency of mating is maximized.

Demerits of hermaphroditism:

a. More energy is required to maintain both the reproductive systems.

b. Limited gene diversity.

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