Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a hermaphrodite for flatworms?

Answer 1

Hermaphrodite means having both male and female reproductive organs.In flatworms,

Advantages :

*It has the ability to self fertilize.

*Energy is saved as they don't need a mate for fertilization and difficulties to find a mate due it's small size is solved.

*The chances of becoming extinct is rare as one individual can alone produce offsprings.

*Maximum mating frequency and increased successful fertilization.

Disadvantages :

*low genetic diversity

*less viability of offsprings

*more energy is needed for self fertilization and to maintain both sexual organs.