Intersexuality in Rana cantabrigensis Contribution from the ZoÖlogical Laboratory of the University of Michigan.

Abstract

The specimen described presents a typical intersexual condition, in which not only the primary sex characters, but also the accessory sex organs and the secondary sex characters are of a mixed type. Both gonads are ovotestes, in which the ovarian as well as the testicular tissues are morphologically normal, but functionally underdeveloped. Stromal hyperplasia is distinct, especially so in the left gonad; it is probably a functional factor in the generative process of the spermatic tissue. Sex transformation in the intersexual frogs may probably be initiated by an abnormality in sex differentiation or in the genetical constitution of sex, and is only subsequently influenced and modified by environmental action. Absolute dominancy of male sex in the process of sex transformation is questionable. There are indications that in frogs sex transformation may possibly occur in a female direction.