Ambiparous

/æmˈbɪpərəs/ adjective

Definition

Producing or capable of producing offspring of both sexes; relating to organisms that can reproduce as either male or female.

Etymology

From Latin 'ambi-' (both) + 'parere' (to bring forth, bear). The term emerged in biological contexts in the 19th century to describe hermaphroditic or sequential hermaphrodite organisms.

Kelly Says

Some fish and snails can literally switch sexes depending on their environment—ambiparous is the fancy scientific word for this shape-shifting superpower, and it's way more common in nature than you might think!

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