Many animals can change their sex, but it's not as simple as flipping a switch. This phenomenon, called sex change, is more accurately described as a shift in an animal's reproductive function.
Here are some animals that can change their gender:
- Clownfish: A group of clownfish will have one dominant female. If she dies, the largest male will transition into a female, becoming the new leader of the group.
- Wrasses: Similar to clownfish, some wrasses live in harems with one dominant female. If she dies, the largest male transforms into a female.
- Oysters: Oysters are hermaphrodites, meaning they can produce both eggs and sperm. They can change their sex throughout their lives, depending on environmental factors.
- Slipper limpets: These sea snails typically start their lives as males. As they grow, they can transition to females, potentially even becoming the dominant female in a stack of limpets.
It's important to note that these animals don't simply change their gender at will. The transition is often triggered by environmental changes, such as the death of the dominant female, or by social cues.
