Parthenogenetic

Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction in which an egg develops into a new individual without being fertilized. The word is derived from the Greek terms parthenos meaning "virgin" and genesis meaning "birth". Parthenogenesis occurs naturally in many plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates.

Types of Parthenogenesis

There are several types of parthenogenesis, including obligate parthenogenesis, cyclical parthenogenesis, and facultative parthenogenesis.

• Obligate parthenogenesis is when species reproduce exclusively by parthenogenesis and do not have the ability to reproduce sexually.
• Cyclical parthenogenesis, also known as heterogony, is when organisms alternate between sexual and asexual reproduction.
• Facultative parthenogenesis is when organisms usually reproduce sexually, but can reproduce through parthenogenesis when males are absent.

Parthenogenesis in Animals

Parthenogenesis in animals is relatively rare, but it does occur in some species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. In some cases, parthenogenesis has been induced in animals through experimental methods.

Parthenogenesis in Plants

In plants, parthenogenesis is a component of the process of apomixis. Apomixis is a type of asexual reproduction that does not involve fertilization, and parthenogenesis is one of the methods by which it can occur.

Implications and Applications

Parthenogenesis has important implications for genetics, evolution, and conservation biology. It can also have applications in agriculture and biotechnology, such as in the production of seedless fruits.

See Also

• Asexual reproduction
• Sexual reproduction
• Apomixis
• Genetics
• Evolution
• Conservation biology