Question

A phenomenon is termed as parthenogenesis when

• A. Artificial fertilization occurs
• B. Egg is fertilized by a sperm
• C. Egg undergoes cleavage without fertilization
• D. Sperm dies before fertilization

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Egg undergoes cleavage without fertilization

The term parthenogenesis was coined by Charles Bonnet. It is also called the virgin birth. Parthenogenesis refers to the process of formation of the organism from an unfertilized egg (it is a special type of asexual reproduction). Parthenogenesis is of the following three types:

1) Arrhenotoky: male develops parthenogenically.

2) Thelytoky: Female develops parthenogenically.

3) Amphytoky: Parthenogenesis results in any sex depending on environmental conditions.

So, considering all the information the correct answer is 'Egg undergoes cleavage without fertilization'.