Biology Forums - Study Force

Some animals in captivity have reproduced without the need for a mate in a process called parthenogenesis. Examples include boas, pythons, bonnethead sharks, and komodo dragons. Initially, scientists thought this occurred because the animals were kept in optimal conditions for reproduction, but lacked access to a mate. However, scientists were surprised to discover that some species in the wild with access to mates also reproduce through parthenogenesis. An example is the pit-viper.

Compare and contrast the processes of sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction through parthenogenesis for an animal such as the python.

Describe the processes of sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction through parthenogenesis.

Describe two pros and two cons of each form of reproduction. Explain each one. (

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Parthenogenesis is an adaptive strategy to ensure the reproduction of organisms when conditions are not favorable for sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction can be advantageous to organisms that must remain in a particular environment and in places where mates are scarce. Numerous offspring can be produced without "costing" the parent a great amount of energy or time. A disadvantage of this type of reproduction is the lack of genetic variation. There is no movement of genes from one population to another. Due to the fact that environments are unstable, populations that are genetically variable will be able to adapt to changing conditions better than those that lack genetic variation.