A fish of unknown species and origin is delivered to a laboratory to assess its basic physical characteristics such as weight, length and sex to determine if it is suitable for a study. Weeks later, the fish is reassessed to measure its progress since entering the lab. The new assessor determines the fish is female, whereas the initial assessor determined the fish to be a male. Given both assessors are experienced and competent, what could be a likely reason for this apparent contradiction?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Protandry refers to a phenomenon in some species where an individual starts life as a male and later changes to a female. This could explain the discrepancy in the sex determination of the fish by the two assessors at different times.

A Fish of Unknown Species and Origin Is Delivered to a Laboratory