Question

Parthenogenesis occurs in which of the following animals?
A: Sheep
B: Sponges
C: Ant
D: Hydra

Answer 1

Hint: This type of reproduction is seen in invertebrate animals and plants. It is commonly a type of asexual reproduction. Here, the egg develops into offspring without fertilization. Apomixis is the word denoted to this type of component process in plants. It occurs without meiosis through meiotic oogenesis.

Complete answer:
Parthenogenesis is the reproductive action where the egg develops into an embryo without fertilization.
 It is a natural process in plants and it is called apomixis.
In some invertebrate animals and few vertebrate animals, this parthenogenesis process is seen.
Invertebrates like bees, wasps,and aphids reproduce by the process of parthenogenesis.
Vertebrate like some fishes, reptiles reproduce by this process.
Parthenogenesis occurs without meiosis through mitotic oogenesis called apomictic parthenogenesis.
By mitotic cell division, the mature egg cells are produced and these directly developed into embryos.
Sheep are polyestrous animals and short day breeders.
Both asexual and sexual type of reproduction is seen in sponges.
The hydra reproduction process is through budding. In the process of budding, bud and outgrowth develop into organisms.

Hence, the correct option is option C. Ant

Note:
Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction in which the egg develop into the embryo without fertilisation. It is seen in invertebrates like wasps, bees, aphids and in some vertebrates like fishes, reptiles. Parthenogenesis occurs in plants and that process is also called apomixis.
Parthenogenesis serves as a means of determining the sex of honey bees, wasps, etc. Parthenogenesis supports the theory of chromosome inheritance. Parthenogenesis is the simplest, most stable and simplest reproductive process. Parthenogenesis eliminates variation in the population. Parthenogenesis is the best route for high reproduction rates in some insects such as aphids. Parthenogenesis causes polyploidy in organisms. Parthenogenesis encourages the development of useful mutated characters. Parthenogenesis studies the maladaptive combinations of genes that can be caused by mutations.