parthenogeny
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A form of asexual reproduction: "parthenogeny" refers to a biological process where a new individual organism develops from an unfertilized egg cell. This process is common in many insects, some other arthropods, and certain plant and animal species.
- Virgin birth: In a broader or theoretical context, "parthenogeny" can describe the concept of reproduction without male fertilization, including hypothetical scenarios in higher animals.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The aphid population exploded due to parthenogeny, allowing females to produce clones rapidly.
- Scientists studied parthenogeny in certain lizard species to understand asexual reproduction in vertebrates.
Advanced Usage
- Facultative parthenogeny: A condition where a species can reproduce either sexually or through parthenogeny depending on environmental conditions.
- Some species of bees exhibit facultative parthenogeny, producing males from unfertilized eggs.
- Theological or speculative contexts: The term can be used in discussions about miraculous conceptions or advanced reproductive science.
- The debate explored the possibility of human parthenogeny as a future reproductive technology.
Variants and Related Words
- Parthenogenesis (n): This is the more common, full-term synonym for "parthenogeny." The meanings are identical.
- The textbook chapter on reproduction detailed the process of parthenogenesis.
- Parthenogenetic (adj): Relating to or characterized by parthenogeny.
- The parthenogenetic offspring were genetically identical to the mother.
Synonyms
- Virgin birth: (Particularly in non-scientific contexts)
- Asexual reproduction: (A broader category that includes parthenogeny)
Related Phrases
- Automictic parthenogenesis: A type of parthenogeny where the egg cell undergoes a form of meiosis.
- Thelytokous parthenogenesis: A type of parthenogeny that produces only female offspring.
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