Question

Whiptail lizard show

• A. Periodic parthenogenesis
• B. Paedogenic parthenogenesis
• C. Obligatory parthenogenesis
• D. Incomplete parthenogenesis

Answer 1

The correct option is C Obligatory parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis is a natural form of asexual reproduction in which growth and development of embryo occur without fertilisation. The offspring arise from a single organism and inherits the genes of that parent only, it does not involve the fusion of gametes, and almost never changes the number of chromosomes.

There are mainly two types of parthenogenesis: facultative and obligatory.

In facultative parthenogenesis, there is switching between sexual reproduction and parthenogenesis.

In obligatory parthenogenesis organisms exclusively reproduce through asexual means. Whiptail lizards are unisex reptiles which reproduce only asexually. A female will produce an ovum with a full set of genes provided solely by the mother. Thus, a male is not needed to provide sperm to fertilise the egg. This type of asexual reproduction is a serious threat to biodiversity due to lack of gene variation and decreased the fitness of offspring.

Incomplete or periodic parthenogenesis are same as facultative parthenogenesis where sexual reproduction alternates with parthenogenesis. For e.g., in bees and wasps, some eggs develop without fertilisation and produce females and those eggs that are fertilised develop into males.

Paedogenic parthenogenesis is found in Gallfly, where larva may lay eggs which develop parthenogenetically into the new generation of larvae.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.