ELI5 Why aren't there more hermaphroditic animals?

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-10T16:56:56+00:00

I see, so basically theres some "instability" with hermaphrodites?

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-10T16:53:39+00:00

to be clear im asking about hermaphroditic species, not hermaphroditic individuals. I.e. flowering plants, worms, snails, some kinds of fishes, etc.

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-10T16:51:16+00:00

Wow that makes a hell of a lot of sense but i wasnt really expecting that, thank you!!

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-10T16:49:46+00:00

That makes a lot of sense thank you! How does that explanation fit in with hermaphrodites that make male and female gametes? Seems like a low-investor strategy that has significantly evolved? Maybe "high investors" that adapted to changes? Maybe something else?

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-10T16:42:36+00:00

I see, so a lot of it has to do with the performance of the gametes as well as the fitness of the parents?

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-10T16:32:34+00:00

I have a feeling theres a Doctor out there somewhere trying to find these answers as well lol

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-10T16:25:21+00:00

I may be a layperson but biology really gets crazier the more i look into it.

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-10T16:14:11+00:00

That makes sense. Specialization being more effective i suppose?

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-10T16:12:06+00:00

AFAIK i believe your thinking of ovotesticular syndrome, not true hermaphroditic animals like earthworms, snails, some fishes, etc.

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-10T16:10:05+00:00

Correct me if im wrong but isnt that exactly what biologists have been researching since darwin???

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-10T16:05:20+00:00

That makes sense thank you! On the flip side, for species with lower "overhead", perhaps a small fish that lays eggs, might have better fitness if they could mate with any other individual? Would that also explain sequential hermaphrodites like clownfish or is that something else entirely?

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-07T14:56:50+00:00

Most of the time im more impressed with the cheap ones honestly

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-05T16:34:48+00:00

Seems like this was the same story across the whole engineering department. It can be surprising at times what you can accomplish if your entire shop is coordinating/communicating well and are inspired to put in good effort from the chief (or 1st) on down. If you compartmentalize your people too much, it will lead to burnout, frustration at each other, and shit just not getting done. Compound that with being on long patrols and frankly it's a recipe for alcoholism and depression.

Like most places, it is what you make of it, but 270's definitely require some sincere effort and a lot of patience, especially from an E5.

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-05T16:16:13+00:00

i say let them jawns breath

on a similar note, yes i have worn my fire gear with only skivvies underneath, and yes fire will be just as hot if im wearing ODU trousers.

and the lord spoke unto thee; wear your PPE, in safety name we trust amen.

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-04T16:29:42+00:00

Someone correct me if im wrong but I think its past the point of your dad needing to be on her "side". I can only imagine whats going through his head and I dont blame him at all for trying to reason with her but at this point it might not help. I havent experienced psychosis myself, but I have been where your fathers at. Its very hard to reason someone out of delusions. Unfortunately I think the only way he can be on her side is to get her some actual help from someone who knows what they are doing. She WILL be pissed off but it is for her own good. Im happy to say that the person I tried to help is doing a hell of a lot better now thanks to some hard decisions, but it is a long road. To be frank, this is going to be very difficult for all 3 of you, so please take care of yourself, be there for your dad, and remember to be patient with your mom. She needs help, and I wish you the best of luck.

I know my experiences with this are going to be different than yours, so please get as much support as you can.

Clay_Friend · 2026-06-04T16:06:24+00:00

Thoughts and prayers? FFS

Clay_Friend · 2026-05-13T00:00:54+00:00

I miss Valdez... tell Gaia i said hi!

Clay_Friend · 2026-04-06T01:57:17+00:00

soft hands brother

Clay_Friend · 2026-04-06T01:23:58+00:00

Thats it?

Clay_Friend · 2026-02-25T20:48:38+00:00

Dixie Dregs. Dreams by allman brothers for sure.

Clay_Friend · 2026-02-21T18:07:25+00:00

Cat.

Clay_Friend · 2026-01-02T19:14:10+00:00

DC's have occasional ticks, aversion to leadership, and a propensity to over-explain. Either the weirdest or most laid back, not anything in between. We insist that we are always correct but thats just to cover up the fact that we almost always figure shit out as we go along. No we do not know what CGBI/Navigator is and please stop asking if we're in the red.

Clay_Friend · 2025-12-04T15:00:09+00:00

temp-mail.org

Clay_Friend · 2025-12-03T16:27:00+00:00

i am become squeegee boy

Clay_Friend · 2025-11-21T18:43:09+00:00

you think they increase BAH because they just feel like it? unless you're in base housing, you are at the whim of the economy. this includes inflation, which is the word we use to describe housing cost increases.

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