Which organisms can reproduce by parthenogenesis?
Parthenogenesis is a reproductive strategy in which an organism develops from an unfertilized gamete. While it is most common among lower plants and invertebrate animals, it occurs rarely among higher vertebrates.12
Invertebrates
Parthenogenesis has been observed in almost every major invertebrate group. Notable examples include:2
* Insects: This includes aphids, ants, wasps, and bees, such as the honeybee, where unfertilized eggs develop into male drones.123
* Rotifers: These are among the best-known examples, with some species consisting entirely of females that reproduce through parthenogenesis.12
* Crustaceans: Water fleas (e.g., Daphnia) frequently utilize this method.123
* Others: It also occurs in nematodes, some mites, and the flatworm Schmidtea polychroa.12
Plants
Parthenogenesis occurs in various plant groups, including:
* Angiosperms: Certain orchids and hawkweed species exhibit this behavior.4
* Ferns: Some ferns reproduce through apogamy, a related apomictic phenomenon where a sporophyte develops without the fusion of gametes.4
Vertebrates
While rare, parthenogenesis can occur in some vertebrates, such as certain salamanders and frogs, though in many cases, it may be induced or require specific environmental or experimental triggers.123