Here's why:
* Both male and female reproductive organs: Garden snails possess both male and female reproductive organs. This means they can produce both sperm and eggs.
* Mating process: During mating, two snails will exchange sperm. This allows them to fertilize each other's eggs and produce offspring.
* Self-fertilization: While they usually mate with another snail, garden snails can also self-fertilize if a mate isn't available. This is a survival mechanism that allows them to reproduce even in isolation.
Keep in mind that "hermaphrodite" is not a term used in biology anymore. Scientists prefer to use "simultaneous hermaphrodite" for organisms that have both male and female reproductive organs at the same time, like garden snails.