Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction allowing organisms to produce offspring without male fertilization. It's observed in diverse species, including invertebrates like aphids and vertebrates such as certain fish and reptiles. While it facilitates rapid population growth, it also poses risks due to reduced genetic variation. The text explores different parthenogenetic strategies and their evolutionary and ecological implications, highlighting species like the Amazon molly, bdelloid rotifers, and the marbled crayfish.
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Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction that allows certain organisms to produce offspring without the need for fertilization by a male
Oomycete Phytophthora
The oomycete Phytophthora can produce oospores without the typical meiotic process
Velvet Worm Epiperipatus imthurni
The velvet worm Epiperipatus imthurni is unique for its ability to reproduce parthenogenetically
Bdelloid Rotifers
Bdelloid rotifers exclusively rely on parthenogenesis for reproduction
Apomictic and Automictic Reproduction
Insects can reproduce parthenogenetically through apomictic or automictic processes
Polyembryony
Some parasitic wasps and Strepsiptera exhibit polyembryony, where multiple embryos develop from a single fertilized egg
Haplodiploidy
Honey bees and ants can produce males through unfertilized eggs, while some species can also produce diploid females through parthenogenesis
Crustaceans such as the water flea Daphnia pulex and the marbled crayfish (Marmorkrebs) can reproduce parthenogenetically
Brine Shrimp Artemia parthenogenetica
The brine shrimp Artemia parthenogenetica is well-known for its ability to reproduce without fertilization
Parthenogenesis allows for rapid population growth but can also result in reduced genetic diversity, making species more vulnerable to environmental changes and disease
Some species have evolved to use both sexual and asexual reproduction, known as cyclical parthenogenesis, to maintain genetic diversity and ensure reproductive success in varying environments
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Parthenogenesis occurrence in animal kingdom
Occurs in invertebrates like aphids, water fleas, rotifers, and some vertebrates like certain fish, amphibians, reptiles.
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First vertebrate with documented parthenogenesis
Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa) was the first vertebrate species observed with parthenogenetic reproduction.
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Genetic variation impact due to parthenogenesis
Leads to reduced genetic variation, potentially affecting adaptability and survival of species over time.
