The recent sight of a Scarlet Skimmer dragonfly displaying characteristics of both male and female has sparked interest in the rare biological phenomenon known as Gynandromorphism. The dragonfly was spotted in the Kole wetlands located in Kerala, India. This unique sighting emphasizes the importance of understanding gynandromorphism and its potential effects on genetic diversity and disease research.
Gynandromorphism: An Overview
Gynandromorphism refers to a characteristic seen in organisms that exhibit both male and female traits. The term gynandromorphs is used to describe these types of organisms. The word ‘gynandromorph’ is derived from Greek; ‘gyne’ meaning woman, ‘aner’ signifying man, and ‘morphe’ translating to form. This phenomenon is not exclusive to dragonflies but has been documented in various species such as birds, crustaceans, and butterflies.
The Cause: Genetic Aberration
Genetic aberration, a chromosomal disorder or mutation resulting from irregular portions, extra, or missing chromosomal DNA, is typically responsible for creating gynandromorphs. This distortion in genetic makeup gives birth to organisms demonstrating both male and female characteristics.
Significance of Studying Gynandromorphism
Understanding gynandromorphism yields significant benefits. It provides insights into the genetic diversity within species aiding conservation and preservation efforts. Furthermore, it helps researchers detect disease and other changes in specific species due to factors like climate change and ecological evolutions. The study of gynandromorphs could also shed light on why certain human diseases affect one gender more than the other.
Kole Wetlands: A Rich Ecosystem
Located in Thrissur District in Kerala, the Kole Wetlands is home to various species. Responsible for providing 40% of Kerala’s rice requirement, these wetlands serve as a natural drainage system. The Kole Wetlands forms part of the Vembanad-Kole wetlands, a recognized Ramsar site, though it is threatened by invasive species. Since 2018, the Society for Odonate Studies (Kerala) has conducted surveys at the Kole wetlands, identifying 37 species of dragonflies and damselflies to date.
The Dragonfly: A Bioindicator
Dragonflies are insects belonging to the order Odonata, within the class Insecta. They are recognizable by their large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with colored patches, and elongated body. These creatures play a crucial role in our ecosystem as bioindicators. As living organisms such as plants, plankton, animals, and microbes, bioindicators are used to assess the health of the natural ecosystem in the environment. Therefore, understanding the biology and environmental influences on species like dragonflies offer valuable insights into our world’s overall health.
