Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> sex does not (in humans or other mammals)

Yes it does. It just has an extremely bimodal distribution.

> Humans, (along with 95%+ animals) are gonochoric, which means they are either male or female and cannot change that.

Sure, when the genetics all goes to plan. But it isn't perfect. Sometimes it doesn't.

I think you have a fundamental misunderstanding about all of this but I can't quite figure out where it is. It's like you've only read a biology textbook and never really thought about it or something.



No, there cannot be a hermaphrodatic human because of the genetics, as only one reproductive strategy can be chosen even when there is a disorder.

Find me the third type of gamete and you’ll have a point.

Edit: I’ll add, traits are a bimodal distribution, sex is binary (because of all I’ve outlined here). If you believe that traits define sex then you are sorely mistaken (see 3rd gamete for why).


True hermaphroditism: Geographical distribution, clinical findings, chromosomes and gonadal histology

European Journal of Pediatrics, 1994

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02000779


Dealt with here[1] but I'm more than willing to post the quote again:

> In the past, ovotesticular syndrome was referred to as true hermaphroditism, which is considered outdated as of 2006. The term "true hermaphroditism" was considered very misleading by many medical organizations and by many advocacy groups, as hermaphroditism refers to a species that produces both sperm and ova, something that is impossible in humans.

[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42929198




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: