Question

In which animal parthenogenesis is common?
a. Rats
b. Hens
c. Aphids
d. Monkeys

Answer 1

Hint: Parthenogenesis is defined as a reproduction by the development of a single gamete (an ovum or ovule) without fertilization by a gamete of the opposite sex. It is a type of asexual reproduction occurring in species of insects. Here, the development of the embryo occurs without fertilization.

Complete answer:
Parthenogenesis is a type of asexual reproduction in which the embryo is developed without the fertilization by the sperm which means the embryo is developed from the egg cell which is not fertilized.

Aphids are the insects and are commonly known as blackfly or greenfly. They alternate between sexual and asexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction does not involve male and live births occur. Development of egg occurs parthenogenetically without meiosis and the offspring produced are female and clone to their mother.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Additional information:
• Rats and monkeys are mammals. Reproduction in mammals is sexually through internal fertilization. The embryo is developed from the egg cell which is fertilized by the male sperm and resulting in the birth of live ones.
• Hens: They reproduce sexually and the fertilization is internal. They are oviparous (lays egg) and these eggs are having hard shells. The young ones come out from the eggs.

Note: Aphids show facultative parthenogenesis which means they switch between sexual reproduction and parthenogenesis. This switch between sexual and asexual reproduction is influenced by the season. In summer, they reproduce parthenogenetically and in autumn they switch to sexual reproduction.