11 Animals That Can Change Sex

Treehugger ^ | 7/3/25 | Sidney Stevens

[DallasBiff]

For Mother Nature, biological sex isn’t always an either-or proposition. Some species come with simultaneously functioning female and male organs. Others change from female to male or vice versa, depending on need or surrounding conditions.

The reasons behind this fluid mobility are varied: Some are natural processes that offer a species reproductive flexibility, while others aren’t so natural, often sparked by rising global temperatures.

Here are 11 creatures that offer a fascinating glimpse into the many ways sex can develop and change.

[Varda]

“Sex change and sex determination among animals is interesting”

Not that interesting. In some animals sex is determined by temperature or age or by population dynamics.

Humans aren't like that.

XX and XY, that's it ...that's the list.

[lucky american]

You’re right again.

[miniTAX]

“None of the animals listed are mammalian....All are reptilian...”

---

None of them needs a butcher or a pill pusher to change sex.
None of them needs to be medicated for life after changing sex.
None of them becomes sterile and a genetic dead end after changing sex.

[clearcarbon]

"11 Animals That Can Change Sex"

Is Mr. Potato Head an animal or vegetable?

[SaveFerris]

What movie is that from? The actress looks familiar.

[clearcarbon]

"What movie is that from? The actress looks familiar."

Michelle Pfeiffer - Amazon Women on the Moon (1987)

[SaveFerris]

Oh

I never saw that - thanks

[SunkenCiv]

• Walnut Trees' 40-Million-Year-Old Secret: How They Switch Genders Every Season [01/06/2025]