Definition

1. Adjective:
   • (Biology) Relating to or characterized by parthenogenesis: Describing reproduction that occurs without fertilization by a male gamete, where an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual.

Usage

• The term "parthenogenetic" is used primarily in biological and zoological contexts to describe organisms, populations, or modes of reproduction.
• It functions as an attributive adjective, typically placed before a noun (e.g., parthenogenetic species, parthenogenetic offspring).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Some species of lizards are entirely parthenogenetic, consisting only of females.
  • The parthenogenetic development of the egg was observed under the microscope.
  • Researchers studied the parthenogenetic strain of the aphid population.

Advanced Usage

• "Obligately parthenogenetic": Describes a species or lineage that reproduces exclusively by parthenogenesis, with no sexual phase.
  • The bdelloid rotifers are an obligately parthenogenetic group.
• "Facultatively parthenogenetic": Describes organisms capable of reproducing either parthenogenetically or sexually, often depending on environmental conditions.
  • Some honeybee eggs can undergo facultatively parthenogenetic development to produce drones.

Variants and Related Words

• Parthenogenesis (n): The biological process itself; reproduction from an ovum without fertilization.
  • Parthenogenesis is common in many plants and invertebrates.
• Parthenogenetically (adv): In a parthenogenetic manner.
  • The eggs developed parthenogenetically.

Synonyms

• Agamic (adj): Relating to reproduction without fertilization; asexual.
• Asexual (adj): Not involving the fusion of gametes; includes various forms like budding and fission, with parthenogenesis being a specific type.

Related Terms and Concepts

• Automixis: A type of parthenogenesis where the egg undergoes meiosis and the resulting haploid cells fuse to restore diploidy.
• Thelytoky: A form of parthenogenesis that produces only female offspring.
• Arrhenotoky: A form of parthenogenesis where unfertilized eggs develop into males (common in hymenopterans like bees).

Adjective

1. (of reproduction) not involving the fusion of male and female gametes in reproduction