"parthenogenesis"
The development of an individual from an egg without that egg undergoing fertilization. It occurs in some groups of animals (e.g. flatworms, leeches, aphids, rotifers), in which males may be absent. The eggs (ova) that develop in this way are usually diploid, so all offspring are genetically identical with the parent.
Commonly, parthenogenesis with only females in the population alternates with ordinary sexual reproduction, which allows the recombination of genetic material and presents a need for males. This alternation is called heterogamy.
How to cite this entry:
"parthenogenesis" A Dictionary of Zoology. Ed. Michael Allaby. Oxford University Press 2009. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. 25 September 2011
How to cite this entry:
"parthenogenesis" A Dictionary of Zoology. Ed. Michael Allaby. Oxford University Press 2009. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. 25 September 2011
