A paper in the Royal Society's Proceedings B gives a remarkable example of a hermaphroditic flatworm, Macrostomum hystrix. In the absence of a female to mate with it will curve its behind towards its front end and stab itself in the head with its 'male copulating organ'. The sperm will then migrate through the body to the site of self-fertilisation. Who says science can't be romantic?
No comments:
Post a Comment