Gynandromorphs

Subject: Science and tech

Context:

Researchers have spotted a peculiar dragonfly, the Scarlet Skimmer (Crocothemisservilia), in the Puzhakkal area of the Kole wetlands in Thrissur with very rare biological phenomenon.

Concept:

• Gynandromorphs (“gyne” from Greek meaning female, “andro” for male, and “morph” meaning variety) are individual animals that have both genetically male and female tissuesand often have observable male and female characteristics.
• They may be bilateral, appearing to divide down the middle into male and female sides, or they may be mosaic, with patches characteristic of one sex appearing in a body part characteristic of the other sex.
• Gynandromorphs occur in insects, spiders, crustaceans, and other arthropods as well as in birds, but they are extremely rare.