This Butterfly Is A Bilateral Gynandromorph: Literally Half Male, Half Female
May 26, 2016
A gynandromorph is an organism that contains both male and female characteristics. But this butterfly is a bilateral gynandromorph, which means one half is completely female and the other half is completely male.
The cause of this phenomenon is typically an event in mitosis during early development.
While the organism is only a few cells large, one of the dividing cells does not split its sex chromosomes typically. This leads to one of the two cells having sex chromosomes that cause male development and the other cell having chromosomes that cause female development. For example, an XY cell undergoing mitosis duplicates its chromosomes, becoming XXYY. Usually this cell would divide into two XY cells, but in rare occasions the cell may divide into an X cell and an XYY cell. If this happens early in development, then a large portion of the cells are X and a large portion are XYY. Since X and XYY dictate different sexes, the organism has tissue that is female and tissue that is male.
Pretty cool, huh? But...which bathroom does it use?
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
These Cat Reactions To Owners Calling Them Through Security Cameras Are Absolutely Hilarious
Kentucky Nurse Saves Drunk Raccoon With CPR After Dumpster Mishap
Shoulder Labrum Tear Symptoms And The Causes Behind Them
'Everyone Gets A Kick Out Of It': Baby Born At McDonald’s Parking Lot Has Perfect Nickname
The Mechanical Nurse At Guy’s Hospital Is Equal Parts Creepy And Brilliant
Dad And His Dog Share Breakfast Together Every Morning — And It’s The Sweetest Routine
Epic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Flashmob Takes Over the Streets of Paris
Texas Cheerleaders Perform Emotional 9/11 Tribute That Brings Crowd To Tears
FDNY Honors Bride Whose Father Died On 9/11 With Touching Wedding Surprise
Honey Badger Picks Fight With Elephant, Gets Hilariously Booted Away
Tiny Soccer Rivals Choose Hugs Over Competition