Gynandromorphs: Dual-Sex Animals

Gynandromorphs are rare organisms with both male and female characteristics, often split down the center. They occur in about 1 in 10,000 butterflies and other insects, as well as in crustaceans. The condition arises from errors in early cell division, where sex chromosomes do not separate properly, leading to cells with different sex chromosome compositions. This results in organisms that are part male and part female. Gynandromorphy differs from hermaphroditism, as it does not necessarily involve both sex organs. It is not possible in humans due to hormonal influences that override chromosomal abnormalities.

Discuss the significance of the timing of cell division in the development of gynandromorphs.

Why is gynandromorphy not possible in humans or other mammals?