sexual mosaic

biology

Also known as: gynandromorph, sex mosaic

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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A sexual mosaic, also known as a gynandromorph, is an organism with physical characteristics intermediate between a male and a female of its species. This condition typically arises from extra chromosomes or hormonal irregularities during embryonic development. In some cases, a sexual mosaic can exhibit male characteristics on one side of its body and female characteristics on the other. This phenomenon has been observed in various species, including arthropods, mammals, and birds. Mosaicism, in a broader biological sense, refers to the presence of cells with different genetic constitutions within a single organism. In humans, conditions involving discrepancies between external genitalia and internal reproductive organs are termed intersex conditions or disorders of sexual development (DSDs).123

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sex
Abnormal chromosome effects
…are known as gynandromorphs, or sexual mosaics, and result from aberration in the distribution of the X chromosomes among the first cells to be formed during the early development of the embryo.
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…are known as gynandromorphs, or sexual mosaics, and result from aberration in the distribution of the X chromosomes among the first cells to be formed during the early development of the embryo.
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intersex
The sex mosaic, or gynandromorph, is an intersexual organism that has male parts on one side of the body and female parts on the other. Arthropods, mammals, and birds have been known to be gynandromorphic.
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The sex mosaic, or gynandromorph, is an intersexual organism that has male parts on one side of the body and female parts on the other. Arthropods, mammals, and birds have been known to be gynandromorphic.
Read More