parthenogenesis
/'pɑ:θinou'dʤenisis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A form of asexual reproduction: A biological process in which an unfertilized egg cell develops into a new individual. This process is common in many invertebrates, such as insects, and some plants and reptiles.
- Development without fertilization: Specifically, the growth and development of an embryo from a female gamete without any genetic contribution from a male gamete (sperm).
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Some species of aphids reproduce by parthenogenesis during the summer months.
- The phenomenon of parthenogenesis allows for rapid population growth in certain environmental conditions.
- In bees, drones are produced through parthenogenesis.
Advanced Usage
- Facultative parthenogenesis: Occurs in species that can switch between sexual reproduction and parthenogenesis depending on environmental conditions.
- Some lizard species exhibit facultative parthenogenesis when males are absent.
- Thelytoky: A type of parthenogenesis that produces only female offspring.
- Thelytokous parthenogenesis is observed in some ant and wasp species.
Variants and Related Words
- Parthenogenetic (adj): Relating to or resulting from parthenogenesis.
- The parthenogenetic offspring are genetically identical to the mother.
- Parthenote (n): An organism produced by parthenogenesis.
- The parthenote developed from an unfertilized egg.
Synonyms
- Virgin birth: (In a biological context, not theological) A synonymous term for parthenogenesis.
- Asexual reproduction: A broader category that includes parthenogenesis as one method.
Related Phrases and Terms
- Automixis: A process within parthenogenesis where the egg's chromosomes are duplicated or recombined.
- Automixis is a form of parthenogenesis that can increase genetic variation.
- Apomixis: In plants, asexual reproduction without fertilization, which includes parthenogenesis.
- Apomixis, including parthenogenesis, is a common reproductive strategy in dandelions.
Notes on Meaning
- The term is primarily used in biological and zoological contexts.
- While the process is common in many animal species, it is extremely rare and not a natural form of reproduction in mammals, including humans. The reference to "human conception" is a theoretical or exceptional medical concept, not a standard biological occurrence.
Noun
- process in which an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual; common among insects and some other arthropods
- human conception without fertilization by a man